Empire State Development (ESD) announced that optics manufacturer Optimax Systems Inc., located in the Town of Ontario, Wayne County, is expanding its operations. The company will construct a $21.7 million, 60,000 square-foot addition at its existing facility on Dean Parkway. The expanded operations, with support from ESD, will allow Optimax Systems to raise the bar when it comes to supplying optics for its customers and will help the company solidify its brand and credibility in the worldwide optics manufacturing community. As a result of its continued growth, the company plans to create 59 new jobs over the next five years; 291 positions will be retained. The expansion project is expected to be completed in 2024.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “New York State’s strategic investments have supported the Finger Lakes Region’s growth as an optics, photonics and imaging hub and our commitment to workforce development and 21st century jobs means that companies like Optimax Systems can continue to grow here, with a pipeline to the tech talent they need.”
Optimax Systems, Inc., founded in 1991, has been ahead of the curve in progress in technologies as diverse as fiber optic telecommunications, solid-state lighting, digital photography, displays, and diagnostic medicine. They have worked key programs in aerospace, government research, and defense.
Optimax Systems, Inc. President Mike Mandina said, "We are excited that as we grow we can continue to be a part of the great community in Wayne County and do this expansion in New York State. Optimax has made its home in Ontario, N.Y. since 1993. Constructing this new expansion enables us to build, a state-of-the-art facility that can support our technological and employee growth as the largest high precision optics manufacturer in the United States. We'd like to thank Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development for their support and assistance enabling us to reinvest in upstate New York and build on Optimax’s growing success.”
In order to encourage Optimax Systems to expand in the Finger Lakes, ESD is providing $700,000 through a Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative Grant and up to $1.5 million in Excelsior Tax Credits a in return for job creation commitments. retention of hundreds of existing jobs. The total project cost is $21.7 million.
Greater Rochester Enterprise President and CEO Matt Hurlbutt said, “Optimax is an integral part of Rochester, NY’s thriving optics, photonics, and imaging industry of more than 120 innovative companies. Optimax leaders chose to expand their operations in Rochester to capitalize on the fully integrated supply chain and top-tier talent available in our community to accelerate their growth plans.”
Wayne County Legislature Board Chairman Steve LeRoy said, “For many years Optimax Systems has been providing good-paying, high-tech jobs in the optics industry for the Finger Lakes region. Many thanks to Empire State Development for helping this successful company continue its impressive growth which will result in solid opportunities for those in our community.”
Town of Ontario Supervisor Frank Robusto said, “The Town of Ontario is excited about the expansion of Optimax. Their expansion is outstanding news for our community. Optimax has been a leading employer in Ontario. We are grateful for the job opportunities they provide our residents. “
Senator Pam Helming said, "The expansion of Optimax is terrific news for local workers and our entire region. Under President Mike Mandina's leadership, Optimax has positioned itself as a leading employer by creating high tech, manufacturing jobs right here in the Wayne-Finger Lakes region. As State Senator, I will continue to work with the Governor, Empire State Development, my colleagues in the Legislature, and local leaders to promote economic development and job creation in upstate New York. Working together with the business community, we will continue our aggressive efforts to help local businesses like Optimax grow, succeed, and create new opportunities for local workers and their families."
For more information about Optimax Systems, Inc., click here.
Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward: Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $5.2 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in.
Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.
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