Investment Driven by Domestic Semiconductor Industry Growth Spurred by Federal CHIPS and Science Law and New York’s Green CHIPS Program
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of construction for the $319 million Edwards Vacuum dry pump manufacturing facility in Genesee County in the town of Alabama. The British-based global leader in vacuum and abatement equipment for the semiconductor industry, part of the Atlas Copco Group, chose the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park in Genesee County as the location for its new U.S. dry pump manufacturing facility. The technology produced at the new facility is a vital component to controlling the highly sensitive environment of semiconductor manufacturing processes. The project is the result of strong collaboration between industry, government, economic development organizations, educational institutions, and community stakeholders.
“The completion of the state-of-the-art Edwards Vacuum manufacturing facility is proof positive that there is no place else for advanced manufacturing than New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “Edwards’ decision to choose New York means hundreds of good-paying jobs and millions of dollars in investment in the Upstate economy while helping to strengthen our domestic semiconductor supply chain and ensuring that New York remains a global hub of innovation and the epicenter of semiconductor manufacturing nationwide.”
The project included the construction of the 240,000 square-foot campus, as well as manufacturing, warehouse, and administration space, 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.
By bringing their dry pump manufacturing operations to New York, Edwards’ US customers will experience shorter wait times, improved responsiveness and reduced CO2 emissions from an American-made product. With the project now operational, Edwards estimates it will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 13,000 tons per year.
Edwards’ Product Company Genesee General Manager Dan Papsidero said, “This facility reflects our confidence in both the future of the semiconductor industry and the strength of the Western New York Community. As someone who grew up in this region, it is especially rewarding to help lead an investment that creates opportunities for local talent, supports advanced manufacturing, and contributes to the continued growth of our community. We are proud to be building world-class products here, while creating long-term partnerships that will help strengthen the region for generations to come.”
Atlas Copco Group’s Semiconductor Division President Martin Tollner said, “The opening of Genesee marks an important milestone in Edwards' commitment to serving the global semiconductor industry. As chip manufacturers continue to invest in next-generation technologies and expanded production in the United States, Edwards is proud to invest alongside them. This facility strengthens domestic manufacturing capabilities, supports a more resilient semiconductor supply chain, and demonstrates our commitment to providing world-class vacuum technology built in the United States."
Edwards Vacuum's decision to invest in New York State followed passage of the federal CHIPS and Science Act, New York’s Green CHIPS legislation, and the domestic semiconductor industry growth the complementary programs have spurred, including Micron's unprecedented $100 billion commitment to Central New York, which is expected to create nearly 50,000 jobs.
Empire State Development awarded Edwards Vacuum up to $21 million through a combination of performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits and Investment Tax Credits in exchange for the creation of up to 600 jobs, and an additional $1 million to support workforce development efforts and the training of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Additionally, the New York Power Authority is supporting the project through a 4.9-megawatt (MW) low-cost Niagara hydropower allocation and a 2.1 MW of High Load Factor power allocation that NYPA will procure for Edwards on the energy market. Low-cost Niagara hydropower is available for companies within a 30-mile radius of the Power Authority's Niagara Power Project or businesses in Chautauqua County. New York’s investment further strengthens the region's growing position within the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Edwards Vacuum’s newly completed state-of-the-art facility represents hundreds of good-paying jobs and millions of dollars invested in Upstate New York. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is building a strong semiconductor ecosystem statewide, furthering its global reputation as the preeminent hub for advanced manufacturing.”
New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “Edwards Vacuum’s new facility, supported by NYPA reliable, low-cost hydropower, represents a significant investment in New York’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem. The project further strengthens the state’s semiconductor supply chain—bringing high-quality jobs, driving major investment, and positioning New York as a global hub for innovation.”
Senator Chuck Schumer said, “Edwards Vacuum, America’s first semiconductor dry pump manufacturing facility, is open for business right here in Genesee County! Today, major semiconductor companies look to Genesee County as home to the advanced vacuum technology they need for their chip fabs that only Edwards Vacuum will make in the USA. When I wrote and passed into law the CHIPS & Science Act, it was with bringing to the U.S. and New York cutting-edge facilities like this in mind. Four years ago, I personally called on Edwards to locate their new factory along Upstate New York’s emerging semiconductor superhighway. Thankfully, Edwards agreed Genesee County was the best place for their business, bringing up to 600 new, good-paying jobs to Western New York and boosting the region’s growing semiconductor Tech Hub. I’m proud to have delivered $18 million in federal CHIPS funding to Edwards Vacuum to bring this state-of-the-art facility to life. America’s next era of chip manufacturing is underway here in Upstate, and I can confidently say New York’s best days are ahead.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “New York State has firmly cemented itself as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, and this $319 million investment in Edwards Vacuum dry pump manufacturing facility will further strengthen the region’s role in this growing industry. With this funding, the 240,000-square-foot campus will be able to produce 10,000 dry pumps per year, create 600 new jobs in the Finger Lakes region, and further solidify New York State as a leader in the field.”
Genesee County Economic Development Center President and CEO Mark Masse said, “On behalf of the board of directors and staff of the GCEDC and the leadership of Genesee County, we extend our congratulations to Edwards Vacuum on the opening of its state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing facility at STAMP. The economic impact of this facility in our community will be transformative for generations of workers to come.”
Accelerating Economic Development in the Finger Lakes
Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing.