Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Garonit Pharmaceutical, Inc., a global manufacturer of antiseptic products and health care solutions, will establish a state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in New Windsor, Orange County. With a $46.1 million investment, the facility will become the world’s largest chlorhexidine gluconate manufacturing operation, producing antiseptic products essential for surgical disinfection and infection prevention in hospitals worldwide. New York State is supporting this project with $3.8 million, including up to $3.5 million through the Excelsior Jobs Program and a $300,000 Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council capital grant. The project marks a major milestone in New York’s strategy to grow its life sciences sector and expand domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Orange County Partnership President & CEO Conor Eckert said, “Garonit USA’s decision to establish its advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D facility in Orange County represents a major milestone for our region and a step forward in our strategic economic development efforts. This investment will create high-quality careers, strengthen our life sciences and manufacturing ecosystem, and position Orange County as a rising force in next-generation pharmaceutical innovation. We’re grateful to the Garonit team for selecting Orange County—and to Governor Hochul for her direct support in securing this game-changing investment.”

Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus said, “We are thrilled that Garonit USA has chosen Orange County as the home for its state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D facility. This investment underscores the strength of our business climate and our commitment to innovation. The project will create high-quality careers for local residents, fuel long-term growth, and position Orange County for sustainable economic success. We’re proud to support Garonit’s vision and excited to be part of their future.”

The new facility, strategically located near Stewart International Airport, will serve as the world’s largest chlorhexidine gluconate manufacturing operation and will manufacture antiseptic products, including both ANDA and NDA formulations that are subject to full U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. The products to be manufactured at this site are commonly used in hospital settings, particularly in surgical environments, with the initial product portfolio focusing on antiseptics designed to maintain sterility and support cleanliness during a wide range of medical procedures.

Construction is scheduled to begin in Q1 2026, with production operations anticipated to start in January 2027. The project will create an estimated 100 to 150 construction jobs during the build phase, and the 100 full-time pharmaceutical positions will include production, quality assurance, warehouse, R&D, administration and logistics, management, and sales roles. The facility will export products to existing customers across North America, Europe, Japan, Australia, and other global markets with growing demand for these critical pharmaceutical ingredients.

Garonit Pharmaceutical has begun collaborating with SUNY Orange Community College to develop specialized training programs that will prepare local residents for these high-skill positions. The partnership includes FDA compliance training programs and specific associates degree programs that provide opportunities to work in pharmaceutical laboratories. Garonit will also offer positions requiring bachelor's, master's, and PhD qualifications, allowing employees to work while pursuing advanced degrees. This workforce development initiative will create a sustainable pipeline of qualified workers while providing career advancement opportunities for residents of Orange County and the broader Mid-Hudson region.