French company Reju has announced plans to build a $390 million textile regeneration hub at Eastman Business Park in Rochester, New York. This facility will be the company’s first operation in North America and is expected to create approximately 70 new jobs, including engineers, technicians, machinists, and production roles. The site is projected to be operational by the end of 2029.
Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “New York State is committed to creating good paying jobs, and supporting innovative projects and companies that are working to keep materials out of landfills and protecting our planet. Reju’s ambitious project will create approximately 70 new jobs at Eastman Business Park, and will show how smart investments can turn waste into opportunity, further supporting our state’s overall green economy efforts and creating a brighter future for everyone.”
The planned 145,000 square-foot facility will use proprietary technology developed with IBM Research to regenerate polyester textile waste into high-quality Reju Polyester. According to the company, this regenerated material has a carbon footprint about half that of virgin polyester and can be recycled multiple times. The process aims to reduce reliance on fossil-based inputs in the textile industry.
Reju is owned by Technip Energies and has operated a pilot plant in Frankfurt since October 2024. In May 2025, it selected a site for its first full-scale European operation in The Netherlands.
Reju CEO Patrik Frisk commented on the expansion: “As our first Regeneration hub in the United States, this site selection in Rochester, New York is a major leap forward in building a truly global circular system. We are proud to bring Reju’s sustainable manufacturing and jobs to the Rochester community. Reju is investing in a future where post-consumer textile waste becomes a resource, not a liability. It’s a signal to the market that circularity at scale is possible and now is the time to ensure the momentum continues to build”
Empire State Development (ESD) is supporting Reju with a $4 million capital grant as well as up to $1 million through performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits tied to job creation commitments. Monroe County, the City of Rochester, and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also providing assistance.
Hope Knight, President & CEO of Empire State Development said: “Reju’s decision to expand into New York State represents the latest in Governor Hochul’s efforts to promote a circular economy. As we continue to pivot away from the single-use, disposable model, we are supporting new ideas that reduce overall pollution and keep resources out of landfills, while boosting sustainability and generating new economic growth.”
Governor Hochul has previously signed legislation aimed at improving sustainability within New York’s textile industry by promoting locally sourced materials and strengthening supply chains. Additionally, she announced $10 million for research into sustainable textiles through initiatives like the Fashion Innovation Center.
Amanda Lefton from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation added: “Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, New York State continues to lead on diverting waste from landfills and returning materials back to productive use which creates further progress towards our climate goals. Establishing a circular economy is fundamental to reducing pollution and diverting materials from landfills. With nearly 1.4 billion pounds of clothing, footwear sheets towels and other textile materials thrown away in New York each year this major textile recycling facility in Rochester will support our statewide efforts to reduce and divert waste while creating local jobs.”
Eastman Business Park currently supports over 100 companies employing more than 6,000 people.
Jim Moran of Eastman Business Park said: “Kodak is thrilled to welcome Reju to Eastman Business Park. We look forward to supporting Reju’s goal of building a system where textile waste doesn’t exist by leveraging the unique infrastructure and capabilities of our park.”
Other local leaders welcomed Reju’s investment as an important step for economic development as well as environmental sustainability across Monroe County.
For more information about Eastman Business Park visit their website.
Learn more about Reju at www.reju.com.
Information about regional economic strategies such as Finger Lakes Forward can be found here.
Further details about Empire State Development are available at esd.ny.gov.
