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EvolvOptic has plans for a $5.1 million expansion and creating up to 40 new jobs over the next five years.
The company, formed through Advanced Glass Industries’ acquisition of Glass Fab Inc., expects to expand its capabilities in the space, semiconductor, and high-energy sectors.
“We are excited to be entering this new chapter of New York’s leadership in optics technologies, as our targeted capability expansion will enable EvolvOptic to provide solutions for the growing, unmet needs of the optics industry, including the semiconductor industry, space- and ground-based imaging systems, directed energy, and high-energy laser research,” says EvolvOptic president Ted Mooney.
Separately, AGI and Glass Fab are known for supplying precision optics blanks, which are then transformed into lenses and mirrors for use in various industries. The new company, located on Emerson Street, will also focus on next-generation optics to serve the state’s directed energy and high-energy laser industries, producing large, complex optical components.
“AGI and Glass Fab—now collectively known as EvolvOptic—have been preferred partners for supplying high-quality precision blanks to leading global companies for the creation of optical lenses and instruments used in space, the medical field, and mission-critical defense,” Mooney says. “Combining our capabilities creates a stronger, more competitive optics company—with deep local roots in New York for more than 80 years and a growing global reach.”
The company will receive up to $600,000 in performance-based state tax credits in exchange for job-creation commitments. Monroe County, the city of Rochester and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also assisting with the company’s growth.
“Our support for innovative companies like EvolvOptic reinforces New York’s commitment to a robust semiconductor ecosystem that’s vital to growing this important sector, boosting our economy and creating the jobs of the future statewide,” says Hope Knight, president, CEO and commissioner of Empire State Development.
New York has been steadily investing in the development of a semiconductor industry. There are more than 156 semiconductor and supply chain companies in the state, employing over 34,000 people, according to state estimates. Chipmakers like Micron and GlobalFoundries have made investments topping $121 billion.
“Advanced Glass Industries and Glass Fab Inc. are joining forces to create EvolvOptic in Rochester, reinforcing this region’s world leadership as the epicenter for optics, photonics, imaging, and laser technologies,” says Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO of GRE. “Greater Rochester has the talent, the ecosystem, and the low cost of doing business, which creates the right environment for EvolvOptic to thrive. GRE connected EvolvOptic leaders to state, county, and city leaders as well as local suppliers and will look forward to continuing to support the company’s growth plans.”
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor.
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