Cannabis Production Facility Coming to Middletown

By John Jordan

MIDDLETOWN—DreamFields, a Desert Hot Springs, CA based cannabis company, announced that its subsidiary Jeeter will be establishing a state-of-the-art cannabis production facility in the City of Middletown, its first location in New York State. 

Jeeter has signed a lease and will be occupying approximately 39,000 square-feet of space at 55 Midland Ave. Extension. The firm states that the new production facility will create hundreds of new jobs in and will involve an investment of millions of dollars into the Orange County and Hudson Valley’s economies. 

The Middletown facility marks a major milestone for Jeeter as it expands from California, Michigan, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Canada into the Empire State. James DeSimone, Associate Real Estate Broker and Director of Sales, Cushman & Wakefield Pyramid Brokerage Newburgh represented Jeeter and also handled negotiations for the building owner in the transaction. DeSimone said that Conor Eckert, president and CEO of The Orange County Partnership, provided assistance in the lease deal.

While noting that the project is not retail or involves cultivation of the cannabis, Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano said,“The City of Middletown is pleased to welcome DreamFields to our community as they establish part of their operation here. This investment not only brings new life to a long-vacant factory building in our industrial zone, but it also creates well-paying jobs and new opportunities for our residents. Revitalizing empty industrial space with active, job-creating businesses has been a priority for us, and DreamFields’ decision to locate in Middletown demonstrates confidence in our workforce and our city’s future.”

The firm has recently begun the approval process with the City of Middletown and hopes to hold a grand opening in April 2026. A company spokesperson stated that the firm will initially open with more than 70 employees but has plans to eventually hire more than 200 at the location. The build out of the space will cost approximately $1.75 million. The company stated that its total investment in local jobs, locally-sourced materials and services will be close to $8 million in its first year of operation. 

Founded in 2018, Jeeter Co-CEO Sebastian Solano has spent the past several years building relationships with local leaders to ensure the company’s New York presence aligns with Orange County’s vision for growth, company officials stated.

“We’re honored to launch in New York and proud to call Middletown our home in the Empire State. Middletown’s hardworking spirit, welcoming community, and rich local character make it the perfect place for us to grow,” said Solano. “This is about more than business—it’s about creating opportunities, building relationships, and becoming part of Middletown’s story.”

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus said, “The launch of this new manufacturing facility marks a major investment in our local economy,” By breathing new life into a forgotten and vacant factory, this project will create well-paying jobs, stimulate economic activity, and further solidify our county’s role as a destination for innovative industries. We’re proud to support responsible growth and welcome new businesses that contribute to the revitalization of our communities.”

Conor Eckert, President & CEO of the Orange County Partnership, said, “This strategic investment strengthens our region’s position as a competitive hub for advanced manufacturing and processing. By transforming a long-underutilized industrial site, the project will generate meaningful tax revenue and create high-quality, well-paying jobs for local residents. DreamFields’ decision to locate in Orange County reflects the continued momentum of our economic development efforts and our deep commitment to growing and diversifying the region’s manufacturing economy.”

DreamFields officials and Orange County leaders stressed the importance of workforce development and specifically training workers in the growing cannabis field.

Dr. Jean Leandre, SUNY Orange Vice President for Workforce, Strategy and Innovation said, “As the lead among the six local community colleges in the Hudson Valley Cannabis Consortium, SUNY Orange looks forward to helping our institutions partner with DreamFields in developing workforce training that can create a deep talent pool of employees in the region. Our consortium is currently conducting an analysis to better understand the cannabis-related workforce and economic needs specific to Orange County and the broader Hudson Valley. We believe those results will help us in future collaborations with DreamFields and others.”

Dr. Kristine Young, SUNY Orange President, added: “Collaborating with Conor and the Orange County Partnership in support of bringing companies like DreamFields and others to the Hudson Valley demonstrates SUNY Orange’s commitment to our strategic plan. These efforts deepen the College’s regional impact and invigorate workforce growth.”