Groundbreaking for Chip Fab at Marcy Nanocenter

Officials use ceremonial shovels to mark the official groundbreaking on the chip fab for ams AG at Marcy Nanocenter.

On April 20, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the groundbreaking of SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s new 360,000 square foot state-of-the-art computer chip fab at the Marcy Nanocenter, which will be home to ams AG’s advanced sensor manufacturing, more than $2 billion in initial private investment, and generate more than 1,000 new jobs in the Mohawk Valley.

The groundbreaking marked a major milestone in the governor’s Nano Utica initiative, which is now projected to create at least 4,000 jobs over the next decade, and includes research and development at the Computer Chip Commercialization Center (QUAD C) in partnership with General Electric.

“Today marks an exciting milestone in the transformation of the local economy,” said Governor Cuomo. “Through the Nano Utica initiative, we’re bringing an unprecedented focus to the Mohawk Valley, and jumpstarting a high-tech manufacturing industry that will create thousands of good-paying jobs in both the immediate and long-term future. This is another sign of how Upstate New York’s best days are ahead, and I look forward to seeing construction move forward.”

“This is yet another example of Governor Cuomo’s laser focus on economic development in Upstate New York,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “Advanced manufacturing and the progressive investment strategies behind it have been key to the revitalization of our State and are now shaping its future success.”

ams CEO Alexander Everke said, “Building this new wafer fab enables ams to achieve its plans for growth and to meet the increasing demand for sensor solutions produced at advanced manufacturing nodes. Our decision to locate the facility in New York was motivated by the availability of a highly skilled workforce, the proximity to prestigious educational and research institutions, and the favorable business environment, backed by public and private partners. What we will create together in Utica will be the most productive ‘More than Moore’ fab worldwide.”

SUNY Poly president and CEO Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros said, “It takes far more than money to build Nano Utica and the high-tech job-generating machine that’s now anchored by global leaders like ams AG; it takes vision, guts, leadership, and unwavering commitment – and no one embodies these qualities or delivers more for the Mohawk Valley then Governor Andrew Cuomo. We should all take pride in what is happening here, that through the governor’s Nano Utica initiative, New York will not only manufacture the finest sensor products in the world, but also lead in advanced research and development with our industry partners on even more cutting edge sensor and computer chip technologies.”

SUNY Polytechnic Institute President and CEO Dr. Alain Kaloyeros delivers remarks at the official groundbreaking for on the chip fab for ams AG at Marcy Nanocenter.

The recently enacted state budget included historic investments in the Mohawk Valley, including $585 million to support Nano Utica and phase I construction of the fab, which will be built in partnership with New York State, SUNY Poly CNSE, Fort Schuyler Management and Mohawk Valley Edge.

The wafer fabrication facility will be staffed and operated by ams AG to support the company’s high performance analog semiconductor operations which have a global marketplace in products ranging from smartphones, tablets and other communications devices, automakers, audio and medical equipment manufacturers and others. ams sensors are used in hundreds of millions of devices to recognize light, color, gestures, images, motion, position, environmental and medical parameters and more.

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente said, “Nano Utica is a truly historic development for our region – unlike anything we’ve seen in a generation, if not more. It’s the perfect example of how we’re seeing local priorities receive tremendous support from state government, especially thanks to Governor Cuomo, and how that support is translating into local jobs and investments. With this project, we’re going to lead the way forward in advanced manufacturing, and I am thrilled to see it coming together.”

Senator Joseph Griffo said, “This is a truly transformative day for the Mohawk Valley. By establishing Oneida County as a pivotal point of activity in the global high-tech economy – and creating thousands of jobs and attracting billions of dollars in investment in the process – we’re paving the way toward a brighter future for the entire region. I am proud to have supported this project, and can’t wait to see it move forward in the days ahead.”

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi said, “For years, we have been laying the groundwork for growth here in the Mohawk Valley – and today we are taking another tremendous step by turning that planning into concrete action. This historic investment in Utica is a reminder that state government is moving forward like never before to grow the economy and create jobs. It is a proud and humbling moment for me to play a role in making my hometown and district economically viable. Thank you to Governor Cuomo, SUNY Poly, ams AG, and everyone else who helped make this possible.”

Construction vehicles continue preparation of the site that will house the the chip fab for ams AG at Marcy Nanocenter.

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri said, “This project is setting the stage for a new, high-tech economy for Utica. The energy and investment we’re seeing from the private sector is exciting, and this groundbreaking is another tangible accomplishment that will benefit our community for years to come. I am proud to see Utica reaching for new heights, and I thank Governor Cuomo and all those who are helping us achieve these transformational milestones.”

Marcy Town Supervisor Brian Scala said, “We are excited to have AMS build our next fab on our Marcy Nano site. This is great for the region, and hopefully just the beginning of what’s to come. It has been an exciting day.”

Rome Mayor Jackie Izzo said, ý”Investing in nanotechnology is a smart, visionary way to create a stronger economy in the Utica/Rome area. I applaud the Governor’s initiative in leading this transformation through Nano Utica, because it. Is creating thousands of jobs and bringing billions of dollars’ worth of investment into the region. I look forward to seeing construction continue.”

Additional Budget Highlights

Governor Cuomo also highlighted a number of investments and initiatives included in the 2016-17 state budget that benefit the Mohawk Valley. These include:

· $32 million in CHIPS funding for local roads and bridges
· $75K for Robert Riddell State Park for park development projects
· $7 million in tax cuts to grow the agricultural industry
· Up to $1.5M in anti-poverty funding for Utica
· $12.5 million in capital investment at SUNY Poly, Cobleskill, Oneonta, Fulton/Montgomery CC, Herkimer CC, and Mohawk Valley CC
· $800,000 for the Mohawk River for priority projects identified in the Mohawk River Action Agenda, including grants to protect water quality, support habitat, flood protection and environmental education.
· Two recipients receiving approximately $125,000 in annual Citizen Empowerment Tax Credits (Town of Bridgewater and Town of Trenton)
Additional Department of Transportation-specific highlights from the recently approved five-year capital program by county include:

Oneida County

· $11.1 million to improve traffic and safety at the intersection of Route 5S, Oriskany Boulevard and Genesee Street in the City of Utica
· $10.2 million to reconstruct the Griffis Veterans Memorial Parkway from Ellsworth Road to Perimeter Road in the City of Rome
· $8.8 million to pave State Route 12 from Mapledale to Alder Creek
· $7.4 million to rehabilitate the Burrstone Road bridge over the North-South Arterial in the City of Utica
· $1.3 million to replace the Trenton Falls Road bridge over Nine Mile Feeder in the Town of Trenton
Fulton County

· $4.7 million to make safety improvements along State Route 30A from State Route 29 to Harrison Street in the City of Johnstown
· $1.7 million to replace the Townsend Ave bridge over Cayadutta Creek in the City of Johnstown
Herkimer County

· $10.1 million to rehabilitate State Route 51 bridge over State Route 5, Erie Canal and CSX in the Village of Illion
· $5.5 million to replace the State Route 51 bridge over Steele Creek in the Village of Illion
· $1.4 million to replace the State Route 169 bridge over Stoney Creek in the Town of Farifield
· $1 million towards constructing a 1.8 mile asphalt multi-use trail along the Erie Canal in the Town of Little Falls
Montgomery County

· $9.6 million to maintain 12 bridges on Route 5, 5S, 30, 67 and Grieme Avenue in the City of Amsterdam
· $1.8 million to rehabilitate the State Route 5S bridge over Terwilleger Creek in the Town of Florida
Otsego County

· $20.6 million to pave I-88 from Exit 12 to Exit 13 and to maintain 12 bridges in the Towns of Oneonta and Otego
· $2.8 million to replace the Route 28 bridge over Route 7 and Norfolk Southern Railroad in the Town of Millford
· $6.8 million to replace the bridge that carries Route 7 over the Norfolk Southern Railroad in the Town of Worchester
· $6.5 million to pave Route 7, Main Street on the Town and Village of Otego
· $5.4 million to rehabilitate or replace 7 large culverts at various locations in the county
· $1.3 million to replace a culvert on Route 80 in the Town of Springfield
Schoharie County

· $2 million to replace guiderail at various locations along State Highways in the county
· $1.8 million to repair a slope along Route 10 in the Town and Village of Richmondville
· $1.1 million towards replacing the bridge carrying Shady Tree Lane over Cobleskill Creek in the Town of Cobleskill
· $1.1 million to rehabilitate 8 bridges on Interstate 88 in the Town and Village of Richmondville