Governor Kathy Hochul announced on May 14 that Candlelight Curated Inc. has acquired the operating assets of the former Candlelight Cabinetry facility in Lockport. The facility at 24 Michigan Street had gone into foreclosure after financial difficulties led to a complete shutdown and layoffs earlier this year.
The reopening of the plant is expected to restore 100 skilled manufacturing jobs that were lost during the sudden closure in January. The move is backed by an $11 million private investment from a partnership between local investors Aaron Santarosa, Peter Demakos, Jon Ebel, and Quebec-based manufacturer Cuisine Idéale.
“This is outstanding news for Lockport and the entire Western New York workforce,” Governor Hochul said. “The re-opening of a shuttered business is a major victory, especially when it puts 100 talented people back to work while actively upgrading regional manufacturing infrastructure. This targeted investment helps secure the future of custom cabinet making in Lockport and advances the overall economic momentum of the region.”
Before its closure, the plant employed about 170 people but was forced to halt operations due to operational and lender disputes, leaving vendor orders unfulfilled. Candlelight Curated acquired its assets through a Uniform Commercial Code foreclosure sale and plans immediate renovations along with new precision manufacturing equipment aimed at blending traditional craftsmanship with automation for expanded market reach.
Candlelight Curated Inc. CEO Peter Demakos said, “We are incredibly grateful for New York State, the Niagara County IDA and Senator Ortt’s swift partnership, which allowed us to step in, secure this historic facility and protect Lockport’s long-standing legacy of high-end cabinet manufacturing. Our primary goal is to get our skilled craftspeople back to the production floor as safely and quickly as possible. With a $11 million commitment toward structural renovations and machinery upgrades, we are positioning this plant to operate with greater efficiency, higher quality and broader custom design capabilities than ever before.”
To support job creation commitments tied directly to employment targets at the site, Empire State Development has awarded up to $2 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits for capital maintenance needs.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said: “Governor Hochul’s strategic support is successfully re-opening a critical Lockport facility and returning 100 highly skilled manufacturing workers to a stable payroll. ESD remains deeply committed to fostering an economic climate where advanced manufacturers can scale, and we look forward to watching this facility thrive under the vision of Candlelight Curated’s new leadership.”
Observers note that this development could strengthen regional employment prospects while supporting continued growth within Western New York’s advanced manufacturing sector.
