Beech Nut, a maker and processor of baby foods, has opened a new plant, which will create many new administrative jobs in Florida. For more information, click here.

According to Fox23News.com, every seat in the house was full for the grand opening of the new Beech Nut processing plant and headquarters in Florida.

“Today is a great day for the Mohawk Valley, the Capital Region and upstate New York,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer. “And it’s because of a four-letter word: jobs.”

At one point, the long-time Canajoharie company considered moving out of state. But with help from lawmakers, Beech Nut decided to stay in Montgomery County, heading to the nearby town of Florida.

All Canajoharie employees were offered jobs at the new plant. More than 350 accepted.

“I’ve heard good news from people saying I’ve got a new job down here and it’s wonderful,” said Canajoharie resident Esther Simpson.

“I have a lot of relatives that work there and they’re very happy they could keep their jobs,” said Canajoharie resident Sheila Hearn.

On top of those jobs, Beech Nut president Jim Schneider says the baby food manufacturer will be adding 135 new positions.

“We want to be good corporate neighbors and I think the best workforce is here in our backyard,” Schneider says.

“Manufacturing is not dead,” says Congressman Paul Tonko. “It’s alive and well if we invest appropriately.”

Right now production is already underway at the plant for the company’s glass and plastic lines. Soon, food production will make its way over. For those attending today’s event, it’s business that’s more than welcome.

“Beech Nut has been in Canajoharie more than a hundred years,” says Florida resident Chris Fernandez. “It’s nice to see them stay in Montgomery County.”

Schneider says the goal is to have all of the production moved from the Canajoharie site to the Florida plant by September.