Schenectady County officials today announced that Madison Handbags will open an office and production facility at 131 State Street in downtown Schenectady (formerly the district offices for the Girl Scouts). The building purchase will allow Madison Handbags to continue the rapid growth of its line of custom made handbags and accessories thereby creating 40 new jobs through 2013.
Gary Hughes, Chair of the County Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development and Planning said, “Madison Handbags is a hot brand that has a national customer base. This is a fantastic use for a key building on lower State Street.”
Acting Mayor Gary McCarthy said, “We welcome Madison Handbags and its great success story to Schenectady. This company will make new products here and ship them around the country from their Schenectady address. We are grateful for their decision to open a facility in our community.”
Trish Rost, President and Founder of Madison Handbags said, “Now, more than ever American made products and manufacturing are the key to economic growth. Our company mission has always been to provide opportunities for women, professionally, financially, and socially, and we are honored to be working toward that vision here in Schenectady.”
Founded in 2005, Madison Handbags has operated its current eco-friendly production facility on Monroe Street in Troy, NY, for the past three years. The Troy facility will continue in operation, producing over 75,000 handbags each year. The company sells its products through a network of more than 500 independent design consultants in 40+ states. A socially responsible company, Madison Handbags has been active in their community through generous donations of products and a commitment to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Metroplex will provide $40,000 in grant funding to help with the cost of improving the façade at 131 State Street along with other improvements to the building.
Ray Gillen, Metroplex Chair and Commissioner of Economic Development and Planning for Schenectady County said, “This company is growing rapidly. Madison Handbags will be a great addition to downtown as development continues to reach into lower State Street.”