Empire State Development news and press releases

Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Empire State Development (ESD) today announced electronics design and contract manufacturer Z-Axis is again updating its facility in the Village of Phelps in Ontario County to better serve its customers. The project will include the installation of upgraded equipment and additional surface mount technology (SMT) lines.  As a result of the latest upgrades, the successful high-tech business plans to create up to 20 new jobs over the next three years; 80 jobs will be retained.  ESD is providing up to $150,000 for the project through the Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for the company’s job creation commitment. Greater Rochester Enterprise also assisted with this project. Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “The decision by Z-Axis to further expand in Ontario County reflects the success of our strategic investments to revitalize the Upstate economy by adding jobs and opportunity.” The total project cost for the updates to the Z-Axis design and manufacturing center has been placed at $800,000. The project is expected to be completed this summer. Z-Axis President & Board Chairman Michael Allen said, “We have built our business on the ability to anticipate our customers’ changing needs, and the agility to continually adapt our production lines and skills to meet those needs.  This requires constant investment in equipment, along with access to world-class talent in electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, management, and electronics assembly. This has been a successful formula for us here in Western New York and we look forward to continued growth. “ Founded in Phelps in 1989, Z-Axis provides design, prototyping and manufacturing services for complex electronic products and electromechanical assemblies. The company also designs and manufactures commercial, industrial and medical power supplies under its Bear Power Supplies brand. The 32,000 square-foot facility includes both electronic design and contract manufacturing centers.  Z-Axis’ expertise includes analog, digital, mixed-signal, linear and power systems design together with high-tech electronics manufacturing in the USA. State Senator Pamela Helming said, “Z-Axis’ success in the Village of Phelps and Ontario County is exciting for all of the residents and businesses of the Finger Lakes region. It means local jobs for local people, and it ensures our communities can continue to thrive and our local economy can continue to grow. The installation of upgraded equipment and additional technology sends a strong message that manufacturers can succeed in our region. I thank President Michael Allen and Z-Axis for their commitment to Ontario County, and I applaud Empire State Development, Greater Rochester Enterprise, Ontario County, and other stakeholders for their investment in this terrific project. As State Senator, I will keep working to ensure that manufacturers such as Z-Axis and other companies can do business and grow jobs in our region and in our state.” State Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb said, “Upgrading the Z-Axis facility in Phelps is a testament to the company’s continued success and commitment to the Finger Lakes Region. Retaining critical jobs here while taking steps to increase the workforce is a win-win for the company and our community. Over the past 30 years, Z-Axis has demonstrated a unique focus on meeting the demands of the marketplace and the needs of its customers. This important investment from New York State will help them succeed in today’s environment and implement strategies to adapt and achieve in the future.” Ontario County Board of Supervisors Chair, Jack Marren, said, “Empire State Development, GRE, and Ontario County teamed together to support this advanced manufacturer grow and add jobs in Phelps.  This is a strategic business for Ontario County.  We are pleased Michael Allen and his team are investing in tomorrow at Z-Axis.” Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “Z-Axis participated in GRE’s Economic Gardening program to garner market research and competitive intelligence to help them expand their sales network and reach strategic business goals. In addition, our GRE team connected Z-Axis senior leaders to the right people and resources to help support their company’s expansion in the Greater Rochester, NY region.” For more information about Z-Axis, 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 $6.1 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. ​ Contact:  Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055 Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced seven transformational projects for Central Islip as part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award. The strategic investments in downtown Central Islip will augment the community's opportunities, including access to LIRR transit, proximity to residential neighborhoods and community resources, and reuse of vacant and underutilized parcels with potential to support mixed-use development. The investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the economy and create more opportunities for Long Island. "As part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Central Islip will be able to further diversify its already growing economy through increased access to transportation and the redevelopment of mixed-used spaces," Governor Cuomo said. "This thriving community will serve as an example to other cities for how targeted investments can enhance opportunities and quality of life." "Central Islip has seen significant investment over the last couple decades with housing and recreational complexes," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who made today's announcement. "We're building on that growth by funding projects as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative that will make needed infrastructure upgrades, streetscape improvements, and add housing and retail for residents. We are focused on revitalizing the area by supporting economic development that creates jobs, continues to attract businesses, and strengthens the economy of Long Island." Read the full press release here. 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced six transformational projects for New Rochelle as part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award. The strategic investments in downtown New Rochelle will further enhance and highlight the community's strengths, including regional accessibility, vibrant arts and culture, and the city's Downtown Overlay Zone, which has catalyzed five new private developments in the DRI Area since 2015. The investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the economy and create more opportunities for the Mid-Hudson Valley region. "With the help of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, New Rochelle will achieve greater neighborhood development, improved community spaces, and new opportunities for education and workforce advancement," Governor Cuomo said. "These targeted investments will further enhance the city's dynamic culture and its intertwined professional and residential environments." "New Rochelle has a vibrant arts and culture scene, and the city is working to transform its southern neighborhoods to increase walkability and accessibility of its downtown district," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who made today's announcement. "Investment in these projects will improve connectivity, linking downtown with the Lincoln Avenue Corridor, provide residents with new recreational opportunities, and enhance quality of life. We are focused on revitalizing the Mid-Hudson region by strategically supporting economic development that continues to attract businesses and strengthen the economy for generations to come." Read the full press release here. 

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the groundbreaking for Monaghan Medical Corporation's new 65,000 square foot facility in the Town of Plattsburgh, Clinton County. The new facility will be located at the former Clinton County Airport, which is emerging as a regional hub for manufacturing, and furthers the North Country Regional Economic Development Council's priority of supporting and expanding this sector of the North Country economy. ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Monaghan Medical Corporation’s decision to expand its manufacturing operations in Plattsburgh shows how public-private investments are growing jobs, regional economies and industries in the North Country and across New York State." Monaghan Medical Corporation, part of Ontario-based Trudell Medical Limited, is a global leader in the development and manufacture of aerosol drug delivery devices and respiratory management products. The company will invest $10 million to build a new, 65,000 square foot facility on 35 acres of property and outfit it with new machinery and equipment. Having outgrown its current facility, Monaghan will use this opportunity to improve the layout of its production lines, increasing efficiency and output, to meet increased product demand. Additionally, Monaghan has committed to create 10 new jobs and retain 72 at-risk positions at this location. George T. Baran, Trudell Medical Limited Executive Chairman, said, "We are extremely excited about our new facility. Monaghan has been a contributor to the Plattsburgh economy for many years. Our commitment to continue to invest in the Plattsburgh area and employees is a testament to the commitment and quality of our work force. We had the opportunity and were approached by many communities to set up shop outside of Plattsburgh. However, we are committed to maintaining our current workforce and growing in Plattsburgh. The community and local governments have been supportive and cooperative in making this happen. We are building a world-class facility and will continue to manufacture and supply leading edge products such as the AeroChamber for patients with respiratory issues." ESD has agreed to support this expansion with performance-based incentives totaling $590,000, without which the Plattsburgh operation, jobs and expansion project would have been in jeopardy. The County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency is providing additional assistance through a PILOT agreement and sales tax abatement. County of Clinton IDA Chair Trent Trahan said, "This project will result in a $10 million investment in Clinton County, and retains and creates over 80 local jobs. The IDA is proud to help facilitate Monaghan’s growth in Plattsburgh, and looks forward to continuing to work with the company, as well as our local and state partners, as we continue to grow Clinton County’s economy." Senator Betty Little said, "Monaghan Medical Corporation’s local investment and expansion is really terrific news for its employees and for our region. I am very grateful for the partnership of Empire State Development, along with the County of Clinton IDA, to help encourage this kind of private-sector growth that will have a positive impact for years to come." Assembly Member Billy Jones said, "The partnership between Monaghan Medical Corporation and Empire State Development will allow this important local manufacturer to relocate to a new, larger facility at the former Clinton County Airport. It will help create new jobs and protect existing good-paying jobs in our community, keeping our economy growing in the North Country." Harry J. McManus, Chairman of the Clinton County Legislature, said, "Clinton County is excited for today’s announcement of Monaghan Medical’s expansion plans at the site of the former Clinton County Airport. This development is exactly what the County envisioned when we relocated our airport 12 years ago. As we continue to develop this entire site, the Monaghan project will be instrumental in attracting additional investment and interest which will, in turn, grow our economy. We wish Monaghan Medical success in their new endeavor." Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman said, "It is exciting to see Monaghan Medical Corporation building a new facility in Town. The site selected is a perfect fit to the ever-expanding former Clinton County Airport property. Monaghan will be neighbors to Norsk Titanium and other global leaders in their respective industries. Our region continues to optimize historic public and private investments. This corridor in Town is the future of our region and their $10 million investment is a welcome addition." Monaghan Medical Corporation's devices are commonly used in the treatment of conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The company's mission is to provide patients and caregivers with the most advanced, therapeutic and cost-effective product solutions, achieved through product development utilizing core capabilities in mechanical design complimented by collaboration with a state-of-the-art aerosol research laboratory. About Empire State Development Empire State Development (ESD) is New York's chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Cuomo's Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State's iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov. Contact: Adam Ostrowski | [email protected] | (518) 292-5148 ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313