Richardson Brands, a portfolio company of New York-based investment company Founders Equity, has received a $1.7 million New York State grant to expand the manufacturing operation at its Canajoharie, N.Y., headquarters.

"The grant is from New York state's Upstate Regional Blueprint Fund to revitalize the economy in upstate New York," noted Richardson president Don Butte. “Our goal is to grow ... We expect to add 70 jobs by 2011."

Richardson recently acquired Bogdon Candy Co. from the Dynamic Confections Group, and Butte plans to bring 30 additional jobs to Canajoharie when Bogdon relocates its production to the town. Richardson will also move its Dryden and Palmer rock candy manufacturing, along with 40 new jobs, to Canajoharie from a plant it owns in Connecticut. Richardson purchased Gravymaster, Inc., the maker of Dryden and Palmer rock candy and Gravymaster browning sauce, in 2006.

Earlier this year, Richardson was awarded grants to install a new Super Boiler in the Canajoharie plant and to finish repairs to the building, which was damaged in a 2006 flood.

Since 1893, Richardson Foods has manufactured branded confectionary products, including soft sugar mints under the Richardson brand, chewy candies and Beechies branded coated gum. Founders Equity acquired Richardson in 2006.