Griffo and Miller to SUNY: All state colleges should use flatware ‘Made in NY’

Following the State University of New York’s decision to phase out the usage of plastic utensils and other single-use plastics, New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-c-rome, and Assemblyman Brian Miller, R-C-NEW Hartford, are calling on the SUNY system and governor to use dining flatware products made in New York.

Griffo and Miller indicated that Sherrill Manufacturing — a Sherrill-based company located in the senator and assemblyman’s legislative districts and the last remaining flatware manufacturer in the U.S. — would be a more-than-capable partner for the state as it looks to move away from single-use plastic utensils on SUNY campuses.

“As we move towards a more sustainable future, it’s imperative that our state institutions lead by example. Sherrill Manufacturing stands as a testament to American craftsmanship and resilience,” Miller said in a news release.

“I firmly believe that partnering with them for SUNY’S transition away from single-use plastics is not only a practical choice, but also a statement of our commitment to our state’s economy,” he continued. “We should focus on supporting our long-standing New York State businesses and this is a great way to set that example, while preserving jobs in our communities.”

Griffo said he will be speaking with top SUNY and Office of General Services officials to arrange a meeting to present this idea and advocate in support of it.

“Our SUNY schools are funded by New York tax dollars and primarily attended by New York’s residents, so it should go without saying that SUNY schools should take pride in the fine products that are manufactured right here in our state,” Griffo said in the news release.

“As more and more people today are seeking to purchase locally made products, we should do everything we can and lead by example to show that we stand with our local manufacturers while remaining environmentally conscious,” he continued. “The more we can support these hard-working employees, the more we can strengthen our local economies and sustain our jobs across the state.”

Sherrill Manufacturing, Inc. operates under the brand name Liberty Tabletop and is a manufacturer of flatware located in Sherrill. It’s the only flatware manufacturer in the United States. The company sells about 500,000 utensils a year to the federal government, mainly for use in American military bases around the world through the General Services Administration.

In 2010, Sherrill Manufacturing President and Oneida City Supervisor Matt Roberts and CEO Gregory Owens filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and temporarily ceased all production.

In June 2014, SMI moved its government and contract manufacturing operations from Mexico back to the Sherrill facility, increasing its workforce to 42. The company moved from six-week production stints to daily production. By 2015, SMI had more than quadrupled its workforce.

The company has moved to an internet-based direct sales model, marketing its items to consumers looking for products made in the USA. Its products are sold through Amazon and Wayfair as well as on its Liberty Tabletop website, which alone is on track to reach $2 million.

In 2020, sales of Liberty Tabletop flatware doubled due to more people eating at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales increased by a further 50% year-on-year in 2021.

More information on Sherrill Manufacturing and Liberty Tabletop may be found at https://www.libertytabletop.com/.