Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency approves $9.2 million investment

Hauppauge, NY The Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) has approved a strategic incentive package to support a $9.2 million investment from Josh Packaging Inc., a two-generation, family-owned manufacturer based in the town. The investment will enable the company to expand its operations and maintain a competitive edge in the packaging industry.

Josh Packaging manufactures flexible retail packaging for food, paper goods, pet food, pharmaceuticals, supplements, and other consumer products. Founded in Brooklyn in 1993 by cousins Abe Golshirazian and Nejat Rahmani, the company has grown from a single machine in a 1,200 s/f space into a thriving enterprise serving clients across Long Island and the nation.

After relocating to a larger warehouse in Oceanside, NY, Josh Packaging expanded its product line to include printed plastic packaging. In 2008, the company made another pivotal move to its current 37,500 s/f facility at 245 Marcus Blvd. in Hauppauge.

In 2015, Abe’s two youngest sons joined the company, spearheading modernization efforts. By 2021, the next generation had firmly taken root, with Nejat’s son and Abe’s two older sons joining the team, further strengthening the business’s family legacy and deepening its Long Island roots.

Today, Josh Packaging is entering its next chapter with the purchase of a 32,340 s/f facility at 135 Ricefield Lane in Hauppauge. With this addition, the company’s total footprint will grow to 69,840 square feet. The project also includes renovations to the existing facility at 245 Marcus Blvd., supported by the Suffolk County IDA. Together, these improvements reinforce the company’s long-term commitment to staying and growing in Suffolk County.

The expansion is expected to create 10 new full-time jobs averaging $52,500 annually, while retaining the company’s existing 68 full-time employees. Renovations are expected to begin in September and conclude by the end of 2027, generating an estimated 11 construction jobs.

The company had considered relocating operations outside of Suffolk County, citing high operational costs and observing similar moves by regional competitors. However, family ties and strategic support from the Suffolk IDA proved instrumental in the decision to stay.

“What is best for the company, its employees, its customers, and the founding family is to stay in Hauppauge,” Golshirazian said. “We are thrilled the IDA’s assistance made the decision to stay here in Suffolk County possible.”

“Josh Packaging’s acquisition and renovation of 135 Ricefield and the renovation of its existing facility at 245 Marcus Blvd. will bring significant investment with the company’s longstanding local contractors and vendors,” said Kelly Murphy, Executive Director of the Suffolk County IDA. “This project reflects Suffolk County’s commitment to creating and retaining high quality manufacturing jobs in our region, and Josh’s decision to remain and expand in Hauppauge underscores the strength of our advanced manufacturing ecosystem.”

The Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is a public benefit corporation of the State of New York. The purpose of the agency is to promote economic development within Suffolk County. The operations of the agency are not supported by taxpayer funds, but rather fees generated by the applicants. The Suffolk County IDA works in synergy with Suffolk County executive Edward Romaine and the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning to foster positive economic development within the County.