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QED Technologies International is planning an $18.7 million expansion to its facility on University Avenue.
The precision optics manufacturer expects to add up to 20,000 square feet to its site to create a new research and development center and grow its fabrication capabilities. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2025.
The R&D center’s focus will be on next-generation tools and processes. The fabrication unit will continue its work on precision optics.
“As a proud Rochester-based optics manufacturer, we are committed to advancing innovation and strengthening the global optics industry while driving growth that creates new jobs in our region,” says Michael Mohammadi, president and CEO of QED Technologies. “We also recognize the importance of collaboration within our local optics and academic ecosystem to ensure that Rochester remains a leader on the world stage in optics and photonics.”
With this project, QED Technologies is hoping to move breakthroughs from lab to market, eyeing the semiconductor, aerospace and defense sectors for advanced finishing and metrology equipment.
Don Golini founded QED Technologies in the mid-1990s. The company became well-known for introducing an automated technique to polish lenses using magnetic fluids, away from labor-intensive methods. Golini shepherded much of QED Technologies’ growth, investing in research.
In 2006, the company was purchased by Cabot Microelectronics for more than $20 million. Golini stayed on as president until 2010. (He remains active in the local photonics and optics industry, and is a member of Luminate NY’s advisory board.)
Now, the company envisions another growth opportunity. It will receive $1.5 million in state tax credits for the expansion, with a commitment to create more than 70 jobs over the next five years. Monroe County, the city of Rochester and Greater Rochester Enterprise offered assistance as QED Technologies considered the project.
“QED Technologies’ decision to create a center of excellence for optical fabrication and precision optics further validates the Greater Rochester, NY, region’s world leadership in optics, photonics, imaging, and laser technologies,” says Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO of GRE. “The talented workforce in Rochester will enable QED to develop technology critical to the semiconductor and defense sectors. GRE will continue to help QED Technologies leadership connect to economic development and workforce development partners as the company completes this expansion.”
Hope Knight, president, CEO and commissioner of Empire State Development, points to the Finger Lakes region’s strengths as a renowned optics, photonics and imaging hub.
“Our focused commitment to workforce development and 21st century jobs means that companies like QED Technologies International can continue to grow here, with a pipeline to the tech talent they need to succeed,” Knight says.
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor.
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