Federal, state and local officials are announcing a major project with hundreds of jobs for a business park in Genesee County.
On Wednesday, Gov, Kathy Hochul and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that Edwards Vacuum, a British-based manufacturer of equipment used in the semiconductor industry, will build a $319 million dry pump manufacturing facility at the STAMP (Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park) in Genesee County.
The project is expected to create 600 jobs over a period of several years.
Officials said the dry pump technology is a vital component in controlling the highly sensitive environment of semiconductor manufacturing.
Hochul released a statement saying that the investment from Edwards Vacuum builds on the moment to secure New York as a leader in semiconductor manufacturing. She noted the recent announcement by Micron for a $100 billion commitment for a facility in central New York help make the state “better positioned than ever to make New York a global job for advanced manufacturing.”
Schumer also credits the CHIPS and Science Act for helping drive more interest by companies interested in located semiconductor manufacturing in New York state.
Kate Wilson, president of Edwards’ semiconductor business, said that with the growing demand for semiconductors, it’s important for her company to invest in manufacturing facilities located close to its customers.
Matt Hurlbutt, the President and CEO of the local business organization Greater Rochester Enterprise, said that deals like this one in Genesee County and the recent announcement about the huge Micron investment in Central New York, help burnish the high tech credentials for upstate New York.
“I think it, like other announcements we’ve seen recently across upstate; shows the fact that New York state, especially upstate, can compete for these leading advanced manufacturing opportunities,” said Hurlbutt.
Steve Hyde, President and CEO of Genesee County Economic Development Center, said that Edwards Vacuum will be able to attract top talent from a variety of regional educational institutions.
“You’ve got schools from Buffalo to Rochester to Ithaca that have 57 colleges and universities; over 30,000 engineering and technical students enrolled annually,” said Hyde.
As part of the project agreement with Edwards Vacuum, Empire State Development has offered up to $21 million in a combination of tax credits and support for workforce development. The New York Power Authority board will review an application for low-cost hydropower at a future meeting. And Edwards Vacuum is expected to apply for help from Genesee County at a later date through property, sales and mortgage tax assistance.
