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Edwards Construction Progress Celebrated

Tue, Aug 6th 2024 01:00 pm

Governor Kathy Hochul and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer today announced significant progress towards the construction of the first phase of the $319 million Edwards Vacuum dry pump manufacturing facility, located at the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP Mega-Site).

Edwards Vacuum, part of the Atlas Copco Group, is a global leader in vacuum and abatement equipment for the semiconductor industry, and a major supplier to semiconductor manufacturers.

Majority Leader Schumer and Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight toured the site, located at the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park accompanied by Edwards Vacuum executives.

“Edwards Vacuum’s commitment to Upstate New York will create 600 good-paying jobs and attract additional investment in both Western New York and the Finger Lakes regions,” Governor Hochul said. “Between New York’s Green CHIPS Program and the federal CHIPS and Science Act, we’re empowering a manufacturing resurgence in our state, ensuring we're positioned as a global hub for innovation and the epicenter of semiconductor manufacturing nationwide.” 

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, “This milestone marks major progress toward the opening of Edwards Vacuum’s new dry pump manufacturing facility in Genesee County as a key addition to making Upstate NY a global center for the semiconductor industry. A vast amount of the world’s computer chips are made using Edwards Vacuum equipment, and today Genesee County becomes the beating heart of those efforts for America. From Micron to GlobalFoundries, all the major semiconductor companies in New York and across America need the vacuum technology like Edwards makes for their chip fabs. I urged Edwards Vacuum to expand in Western NY because I knew that it would be a win for Edwards Vacuum, a win for Western NY’s economy, and a win for America’s semiconductor supply chain, and today that is becoming a reality. Thanks to my CHIPS & Science Law, which continues to deliver investment after investment for Upstate NY, we are adding another stop to our semiconductor superhighway along the booming I-90 corridor Tech Hub with Edwards Vacuum’s groundbreaking milestone celebration today. Edwards Vacuum is a major player in the semiconductor supply chain, and it’s about to power Genesee County with a $319 million facility and 600 new good paying jobs. I am continuing to push for landing the federal incentives from my CHIPS & Science Law to make this project a reality, boosting Genesee County’s economy and positioning Western NY as a hub for Upstate NY and the nation’s semiconductor industry.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Edwards Vacuum continues to make tremendous progress on its new state-of-the-art facility that will create hundreds of good-paying jobs and generate millions of dollars in investments. The future of domestic semiconductor manufacturing runs through New York State, which continues to grow as a global hub for advanced manufacturing, research and development.”

The technology produced at Edwards Vacuum’s newest facility is a vital component to controlling the highly sensitive environment of semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Construction on the $127 million first phase of Edwards 240,000 square-foot campus will include manufacturing, warehouse, and administration facilities, with a capacity to produce 10,000 dry pumps per year. The all-electric facility will strive for LEED certification, with a majority of the power generated via hydroelectricity.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “I am thrilled to see progress toward construction of the Edwards Vacuum facility in Genesee County, which will create hundreds of good jobs and grow the economies of both Western New York and the Finger Lakes. The Edwards Vacuum facility will produce technology that is vital to ensure that New York continues to grow as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. I’m proud to have fought to pass the CHIPS and Science Act that helped encourage companies like Edwards Vacuum to expand manufacturing in New York, and I look forward to seeing the growth this facility brings to the region for generations to come.”

Representative Joe Morelle said, “Investing in regional advanced manufacturing and innovation is absolutely critical to unlocking the full potential of our region and ensuring our leadership on the national and global stages. Building on the Regional Technology Hub designation I helped secure in Washington, the continued success of Edwards Vacuum and the entire Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) facility will help propel our region’s semiconductor leadership to new heights. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul, Senator Schumer, and all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support of these important projects, and I look forward to our continued work together.”

State Senator George M. Borrello said, “Edwards Vacuum’s major investment in Genesee County will be a game changer for the area and a new chapter in the proud manufacturing legacy of Western New York and the Finger Lakes Region. We have the skilled workforce, infrastructure and public-private partnerships that will drive the success of the company's new STAMP site facility, allowing it to thrive and positively impact the local economy. My thanks go out to Senator Schumer, Governor Hochul, the Genesee County Legislature and IDA who all played a role in bringing this transformative project to the community. Great things are on the horizon.” 

Assemblymember Steven Hawley said, “New York is at the center of the growing semiconductor industry and Edwards Vacuum’s Choice is leading the charge. The company’s progress made through STAMP has bolstered the GLOW region’s economy and made them a vital part of the community as they continue creating jobs and supporting other businesses across the state. I look forward to seeing the impact these investments have on our state as we increase our global standing as a leader in the semiconductor industry.”

Genesee County Legislature Chair Rochelle Stein said, “Genesee County commends Edwards Vacuum for the progress they have made at STAMP to realize the growth of critical supply chain manufacturing for our growing semiconductor industry. So many people are working so hard to realize the vision we all have for STAMP, and today’s event is proof that staying the course and being steadfast brings us another step closer to that vision.”

Town of Alabama Supervisor Rob Crossen said, “On behalf of the town of Alabama and my fellow board members, congratulations to Edwards Vacuum on the progress of their construction at the STAMP mega-site. This is the latest milestone to occur at STAMP and it continues the realization of our shared vision for investments that improve the economy, attract good paying jobs, and make our community a better place to work and live.”

Mark Masse, President & CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center said, “We congratulate Edwards Vacuum for today's milestone and celebrate the investment they are making at STAMP to grow Genesee County's economy and strengthens New York's position as an emerging leader in the semiconductor and semiconductor supply chain industries. We look forward to continuing to work with Edwards Vacuum as the company builds here and just as important recruit the talent they are seeking to make this facility a leader in the semiconductor supply chain industry.”

Greater Rochester Enterprise President & CEO Matt Hurlbutt said, “Edwards Vacuum has made significant progress toward the construction of its dry pump manufacturing facility at the STAMP mega site in Genesee County. This progress marks an important milestone in solidifying Edwards' ties to the Greater Rochester, NY region's robust advanced manufacturing and semiconductor sectors. Greater Rochester Enterprise remains committed to supporting Edwards' success by fostering strong relationships between the company's leadership and key stakeholders in business, academia, and the community. Combine this exceptional connectivity with top-tier talent, access to low-cost hydropower, and world-class R&D resources, and it's no wonder Edwards chose to expand in the Greater Rochester, NY, region.”