Medical Imaging Systems and Non-Destructive Testing Company to Add 16,000 Square-Feet to Eastman Business Park Location
Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that medical imaging systems and non-destructive testing company Carestream will expand its film finishing operations at Eastman Business Park (EBP) in the City of Rochester. Phase one of the project will see the addition of 16,000 square-feet of space at its current location, with the potential for additional expansion opportunities. Additional upgrades will include the purchase of new machinery and support upgrades to the buildings’ utility infrastructure, dark rooms, packaging lines and the addition of a new wet lab.
Carestream has committed to creating up to 70 new jobs over the next five years; 47 jobs at the site will be retained. Empire State Development is providing up to $700,000 in Excelsior Tax Credits in exchange for the job creation commitments. The total project cost has been placed at a little more than $3 million. The renovation work is expected to get underway in May and be completed in the 2nd quarter of 2022. Monroe County, the City of Rochester and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also assisting with the project.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “Carestream’s decision to expand its film operations in the Finger Lakes is a critical confirmation of the region’s leadership in high-tech innovation. It’s also fitting that this global medical imaging company will continue to grow at Rochester’s revitalized Eastman Business Park, along with many other top companies, fueled by the area’s first-rate medical and healthcare industry talent.”
Last fall, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that Carestream would assist in the fight against COVID-19 by investing over $1.67 million to manufacture135,000 face shields. The CARESTREAM Shield is currently being manufactured in Rochester and is available for purchase from select distributors and Amazon. The company was awarded $750,000 in grant funds from the state to help alleviate product shortages due to supply chain issues.
With 1,282 patents granted worldwide, Carestream is a worldwide provider of medical imaging systems; X-ray imaging systems for non-destructive testing; and precision contract coating services for a wide range of industrial, medical, electronic and other applications—all backed by a global service and support network. Carestream employs close to 700 workers statewide.
David C. Westgate, Chairman, President and CEO said, “Carestream continues to be a leader in the medical and dental film markets. We are excited to be able to grow our team and invest in the Rochester area. Our team’s innovation and enthusiasm are a testament to Carestream’s dedication to provide the best products in our market segments. Carestream continues to march forward toward a strong, successful future.”
Carestream’s expansion further builds on the continuing success of EBP, the site where Kodak began manufacturing photographic film and paper more than a century ago. The campus continues to be repurposed, helping to reinvigorate the region. Today, the campus supports almost 114 companies, employing over 6,000 people. In addition to Carestream, LiDestri Food and Drink, Kodak, DuPont, L3 Harris, Columbia Care, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Love Beets, Li-Cycle, and Acquest Development are among several companies operating at the business campus.
President of Eastman Business Park and Eastman Kodak Company Chief Financial Officer David Bullwinkle said, “Kodak built Eastman Business Park to manufacture film and as such we heartily welcome Carestream’s new film manufacturing operation to the site. The infrastructure here provides an ideal environment for making film, but it is also useful for a wide range of innovative high-tech manufacturing approaches. We are pleased to support Carestream’s efforts to support job growth into Rochester at Eastman Business Park.”
State Senator Jeremy A. Cooney said, “This investment into Eastman Business Park will not only create jobs but continues to expand on the revitalization efforts in a much needed part of our community. We appreciate the work of Carestream and Empire State Development for their support of this critical project.”
State Assemblymember Sarah Clark said, “Today’s announcement reflects Carestream’s commitment to our community and the successful revitalization of the Eastman Business Park. The City of Rochester has a long, rich history in manufacturing and innovation, Carestream choosing to expand their film finishing operations builds on this success. The 70 new jobs come at such a critical time to help jumpstart our economic recovery from the past year. Thank you Finger Lakes Forward and Empire State Development for leading the way, strengthening the workforce in our region and continuing to support Rochester as a leader in the film finishing operations industry.”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “Carestream’s continued partnership with Eastman Kodak has proven again and again to be a vital part of the Monroe County economy. Their decision to expand on an existing site in Rochester is an exciting development for our area as it will add a number of highly skilled jobs in the tech industry. Not only does it open doors for new employment, it signals that the Finger Lakes region continues to be a leader in the industry. I want to thank Carestream’s leadership for their commitment to our community and Empire State Development for its support for this project.”
City of Rochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren said, “The continued rebirth of Eastman Business Park speaks to the strength of our economy and the resiliency of our city. I am proud to support this expansion of Carestream at Eastman Business Park and grateful for this investment that supports the growth of Rochester’s knowledge economy and skilled manufacturing base. I am also grateful to Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development for retaining and growing jobs in Rochester through Finger Lakes Forward. Together we are advancing towards creating more jobs, safer, more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities for our citizens.”
Bob Duffy, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, and Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Committee Co-Chair, said, “With a unique and powerful infrastructure and long history of innovation, Eastman Business Park continues to be a key site for business growth and expansion in Rochester. Our Regional Economic Development Council had made this site a top priority for years, and we are excited to see more local companies take advantage of this asset. We wholeheartedly support our member Carestream’s expansion to add 70 new jobs and continue to lead the way in the film finishing operations industry. We thank our regional partners, including Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development, for helping to make this another great win for Rochester.”
Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “Carestream’s decision to expand film operations in Rochester, NY, to help serve the global market, underscores our community’s longstanding leadership role in this industry. In addition to a highly-skilled workforce and unique infrastructure assets available at Eastman Business Park, our economic development partners at New York State, Monroe County, and the City of Rochester collaborated on a comprehensive incentives package to ensure Carestream expands here.”
For additional information on Carestream, visit https://www.carestream.com/en/us/
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 $8.07 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. 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.
Contact:
Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055
Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313