Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced INFICON, Inc. broke ground on the planned expansion of its manufacturing operations in East Syracuse.
The company, a leading provider of instrumentation, sensor technologies and advanced process control software for a variety of industries including the semiconductor and precision-optic sectors, selected Central New York over several locations worldwide including China.
INFICON will invest $20 million to build an addition to its existing facility, resulting in the creation of 40 new high-paying jobs and the retention of 240 existing jobs. "This administration has worked hard to improve New York's business climate and make this a place where companies can grow, create jobs and help strengthen the state's economy,” Governor Cuomo said. “INFICON's decision to stay in Central New York and grow in central New York is a win for the region and yet another sign that upstate is on the move.”
INFICON, which has been in business in Central New York for nearly half a century and is near capacity in its current 30 year-old building, will construct and equip a 64,000 square-foot addition to its existing 140,000 square-foot manufacturing facility. This is the first part of a multi-phase expansion plan that will allow the company to continue to grow and improve sales and exports, as well as increase its portfolio of new products through increased research and development.
New York State is providing INFICON with a $1 million grant and $1.5 million in Empire State Development's performance-based Excelsior Jobs program tax credits, which are tied directly to job creation commitments and were critical in the company expanding in Central New York versus other global locations.
INFICON is headquartered in Switzerland and has manufacturing facilities in Europe, the United States and China, as well as subsidiaries in China, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Peter Maier, President of INFICON Inc. said, “INFICON has received strong support for this project from the State and our local elected officials, and this support has been an integral part of making today’s groundbreaking a reality.
As we embark on this very significant expansion, we look forward to the creation of many high quality local jobs in research and development and world-class product manufacturing, as well as continued growth in our export business.” Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, “Governor Cuomo’s top priority since taking office has been to foster an environment that spurs economic growth and generates job opportunities for New Yorkers. INFICON is an innovative advanced manufacturer with a global reach and a great example of the type of companies we need growing in Upstate New York.
Today’s groundbreaking in Central New York is a result of the state's improved business climate, which is providing a friendlier environment for companies to invest and strengthen the Upstate economy.” The Central New York Regional Economic Development Council identified the INFICON project as a regional priority as it aligns with the Council’s plan for economic growth by attracting investment in the high-tech industry, and providing employment and economic opportunities that will facilitate the retention of college graduates in Central New York.
Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Robert Simpson, President of CenterState CEO, and Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud, said, “The Central New York Regional Council identified this expansion as a priority project given its goal to improve connections to the global economy. It's gratifying to see the company leverage these state funds to generate further investment and reach new markets around the world. Not only is INFICON competing and thriving on a global stage, it is creating new, high-paying jobs that are contributing to the growth of the Central New York economy.” INFICON’s operations have successfully leveraged local resources at the Manufacturer’s Association of Central New York and at Syracuse University to improve lean manufacturing skills, resulting in more than a 50 percent productivity increase in recent years.
INFICON exports to more than 50 countries and has grown 300 percent over the last decade. In 2013, the company won the President’s E Award for superior performance in export growth and was the only New York State manufacturer to receive this prestigious honor. The retention of INFICON in Central New York will result in opportunities well beyond the number of net new jobs created. Within the next ten years, 30 percent of the company’s employees will be of retirement age. Both the jobs resulting from natural attrition and new jobs resulting from the expansion project will require workers with college degrees, providing significant opportunities for locally-educated students.
The company has an ongoing program actively working with local universities, providing student internships, and hiring numerous local college students, as well as providing 100 percent tuition reimbursement to employees that continue their education. Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney said, “When Governor Cuomo created the Regional Economic Development Councils, we knew there would be tremendous opportunity for Central New York. We have worked hard to propose projects that will have a significant impact on the economy of Onondaga County and the region.
Thank you Governor Cuomo for your support and thank you to INFICON, a valued member of our business community, for working with us to bring and keep great jobs here. We will continue our strong efforts to convince other businesses that Onondaga County is a great place to grow and expand.” Senator John A. DeFrancisco said, “INFICON's building expansion in East Syracuse is an outstanding example of the Regional Economic Development Council's role in helping to spur economic growth in the Central New York community.
This project will create 40 new, high-paying jobs, retain 240 positions and build a strong foundation for even more employment opportunities in the future.” Assemblymember Sam Roberts said, “I am pleased to hear INFICON is expanding and investing in the Central New York Region, which will result in 40 new high-paying jobs and the retention of 240 existing jobs in a modern day manufacturing plant. INFICON’s investment in our community is a critical link to a brighter economic future by creating and maintaining high paying jobs today while laying the foundation for future opportunities for our citizens.”
About INFICON
INFICON is a leading provider of innovative instrumentation, critical sensor technologies, and advanced process control software that enhance productivity and quality in sophisticated industrial vacuum processes. These analyses, measurement and control products are essential for gas leak detection in air conditioning/refrigeration and automotive manufacturing.
They are vital to equipment manufacturers and end-users in the complex fabrication of semiconductors and thin film coatings for optics, flat panel displays, solar cells and industrial vacuum coating applications. Other users of the company’s vacuum-based processes include the life sciences, research, aerospace, packaging, heat treatment, laser cutting and many other industrial processes.
INFICON is headquartered in Switzerland and has world-class manufacturing facilities in Europe, the United States and China, as well as subsidiaries in China, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States. For more information about INFICON and its products, please visit www.inficon.com.