Brunner commits to $15 million expansion in Medina

MEDINA – A Medina company will add 43 jobs as part of a $15 million expansion project at its Bates Road manufacturing plant.

Brunner International, which is based in Canada, has committed to a 45,000-square-foot addition to expand the production of machined axle forgings that are sold to large, heavy-duty truck and trailer suppliers. The Orleans Economic Development Agency confirmed this morning the company picked Medina for the expansion, turning down an offer from Kentucky.

New York Power Authority in December announced it approved 2.4 megawatts of low-cost electrcity for the project. The state also said it would provide a $750,000 incentive package under Empire State Development’s Excelsior Jobs Program.

The company, besides adding jobs, will utilize robots in the production of axle shafts, said Jim Whipple, Orleans EDA chief executive officer.

The EDA is working with Brunner to re-establish a new wetland as part of the expansion. The company will add the new building south of its current complex at the corner of Route 31 and Bates Road. Whipple said the company will present the site plan for the project to Ridgeway and Orleans County planning officials later this month.

Brunner completed a 41,250-square-foot expansion about five years ago that added 50 jobs in Medina.