Empire State Development (ESD) President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams joined other state and local officials in breaking ground on Amphenol Aerospace’s new manufacturing facility. The groundbreaking comes less than two years after flooding from Tropical Storm Lee devastated Amphenol’s Delaware Avenue facility, resulting in nearly $40 million in damages, and leading the company to explore moving their manufacturing operations outside of New York State. Unprecedented State, local and federal support following the devastating floods allowed Amphenol to recover and stay and grow in Sidney.
“This is a story about rebuilding and resiliency,” Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said. “It is a New York story about recovery, and coming back stronger than before. Let the message to companies be clear: I am committed to supporting you in good times and bad.”
“Today’s groundbreaking was a long-time coming and we couldn’t be happier to support Amphenol and help them grow where they belong: right here in Sidney,” Commissioner Adams said. “After the floods devastated Amphenol’s facilities, Governor Cuomo called me and said, ‘figure it out, do whatever it takes to keep Amphenol in Sidney’ – and that’s exactly what we did. The Governor’s leadership was critical to keeping Amphenol and its jobs here.”
Following the devastating floods of 2011, Governor Cuomo spearheaded legislation to help flood-damaged businesses rebound and recover. The legislation enabled the State to offer Amphenol Corporation a $32 million business assistance and retention package to help them
construct a levee around the existing facility, acquire new property on higher ground and also fund site construction, electrical upgrades, wetland/stream restoration and engineering. The State’s assistance was instrumental in Amphenol’s decision to remain in Sidney and saved over 1,000 local jobs.
Gary Anderson, Senior Vice President and Group General Manager of Amphenol Aerospace and Industrial Group, commented, “We are very excited that after many months of intense planning in collaboration with multiple government agencies, Amphenol is now able to proceed with construction of our new, high efficiency manufacturing and office location. Well out of harm’s way, this new building will enhance Amphenol’s competitive position and create secure, continuing employment opportunities for the people in the Sidney area.”
On the federal level, Senator Charles Schumer worked to deliver $3.8 million in disaster aid funding to the region from a larger pot of $200 million in Economic Development Administration (EDA) disaster funding for recovery efforts after Tropical Storm Lee ravaged the region, particularly devastating Amphenol Aerospace in Sidney. The EDA grant enabled the Delaware County Industrial Development Agency to commence site preparation at 171 Delaware Avenue in Sidney for a new flood-proof site for high-tech companies like Amphenol Aerospace.
“Ever since the devastating flooding of Tropical Storm Lee put Amphenol’s long-term existence in Sidney at risk, I have worked closely with the EDA to keep them here, and am thrilled that they are finally breaking ground today,” said Senator Schumer. “This new facility will spur economic development in the Southern Tier and save 1,000 Amphenol jobs in Sidney. A lot of work went into securing the funding, but now the Delaware County residents can rest assured that its largest employer is here to stay.”
Delaware County Industrial Development Agency Chairman James Thomson said, "On behalf of Delaware County and the IDA, we are very excited by Amphenol's continued commitment to Sidney, the surrounding communities and their dedicated workforce. It has been a truly cooperative effort working with Empire State Development, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Village of Sidney and many others to meet the long-term needs of Amphenol.”
Town of Sidney Mayor Andy Matviak said, “Amphenol's decision to stay in Sidney will have a very positive impact on Sidney and the surrounding area. It has taken a lot of hard work by local, state, federal leaders and the Amphenol Corporation and its employees to make this project a reality.”
Congressman Chris Gibson said, “It is an honor to support the great team and workforce at Amphenol and I couldn’t be prouder to stand with them today to break ground on the new facility. As a veteran I am especially proud of the work they do which has helped defend our nation and I am so thrilled this work will continue right here in Sidney.”
State Senator James L. Seward said, “Amphenol’s ability to succeed and grow has a direct impact on the success of our regional economy and the future well-being for hundreds of families. I was pleased to play a role in solidifying funding for this new facility, protecting jobs and providing clear evidence that New York’s manufacturing sector is thriving.”
As Sidney’s largest employer, Amphenol Aerospace has an estimated annual payroll of $40 million. The new 270,000 ft. facility will consist of 210,000 ft. of manufacturing space and 60,000 feet of office space on two levels. This building will continue to house all of the operations Amphenol has in Sidney including Amphenol Commercial Air and Amphenol Industrial.
A division of Amphenol Corporation, Amphenol Aerospace is one of the world's largest manufacturers of interconnect products for the military, commercial aerospace, and industrial markets. Amphenol designs, manufactures, and markets cylindrical and rectangular, electronic, fiber optic, EMI/EMP filter, and a variety of special applications connectors and interconnect systems.
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.nyworks.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.