JAMESTOWN, N.Y. – The Empire State Development Board of Directors officially approved $900,000 in funding for Bush Industries as announced by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo earlier this week.

In November, the ownership of Bush Industries announced the purchase of the company from private equity groups – moving the company back to local ownership.

Bush Industries will continue operations in Jamestown, N.Y., and retain 230 employees through 2022, according to the state. Without Empire State Development’s assistance, private investors would have likely closed the facility and moved operations overseas, cutting over 200 employees in Chautauqua County.

“We’re always grateful for any help we can get, and it was certainly instrumental in helping us stay in the area,” said Neil Frederick, Bush Industries chief financial officer.

Bush Industries designs and manufacturers ready-to-assemble wood entertainment, storage and office furniture. Bush Industries furniture is distributed nationally and internationally to 50 countries. Assistance through ESD will keep Bush Industries as a premier manufacturer in Chautauqua County, said County Executive Vince Horrigan.

“It’s good development for the county, and it’s something the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency has worked with for some time,” he said. “I’m thankful for the governor and ESD in their efforts to retain jobs in Chautauqua County.”

Keeping Bush Industries operating at maximum output was a priority in working with local, regional and state officials, said state Sen. Cathy Young, R-C-I-Olean.

“Bush Industries, a leading furniture manufacturer with deep roots in our community, is a significant economic driver,” Young said. “The loss of over 200 jobs would have been devastating to Chautauqua County, especially for those men and women who support their families by making a living at the facility.”

Statewide, $39.2 million in economic development funds were approved for 34 projects. Funding will leverage $338.6 million in private assets and other public funding to support local businesses and projects.

“With this funding, we are supporting regionally-significant initiatives and growing local economies across New York,” Cuomo said. “This investment is another example of our commitment to developing key industries and creating new opportunities for companies and workers to thrive in every region of the state.”

Five other projects in Western New York were approved, totaling over $18 million. Three projects were located in Erie County and two projects were located in Niagara County. Of all the approved projects in the region, the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus received the most funds, $15 million, for infrastructure improvements.

Howard Zemsky, president, CEO and commissioner for ESD, said funding approved by the Board of Directors will support significant regional projects that will bolster local economies and communities.

“By supporting small businesses, fostering key industry growth and maintaining critical employers, we are creating jobs and spurring growth from western New York to Long Island, and ensuring that New York remains the state of opportunity,” he said.