Rochester Precision Optics to invest $10.7 million for expansion

According to Rochester Precision Optics (RPO), Empire State Development and Monroe County, RPO will invest $10.7 million to expand its Henrietta, facility, retaining 144 jobs and creating 151 new jobs. ESD has committed a $750,000 capital grant, while the County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency (COMIDA) provided a property tax abatement through its JobsPlus program. Previously known as Kodak Optical Imaging Systems, RPO manufactures optical components and assemblies used in wide variety of commercial, military and industrial systems. It provides its customers with high precision, optical components and subassemblies and specializes in producing glass molded aspheres utilizing proprietary technology that was previously developed at Kodak. RPO also has facilities in New Hampshire and in Shanghai, China, and did consider out-of-state locations for this expansion. Noting that the company appreciates the support it has received from ESD, Monroe County and the numerous business leaders who have helped grow its business over the past five years, RPO president and CEO William Hurley said, "Our growth is the direct result of the hard work and dedication of our tremendously talented workforce. We will continue to invest and expand capacity as necessary to meet the increasing demands of our highly valued customers." "New York State is a leader in optics and imaging and we are committed to maintaining and expanding businesses in this industry," said Empire State Development president, CEO and commissioner Kenneth Adams. "Companies like Rochester Precision Optics see the value in our highly-skilled workforce, manufacturing base and existing infrastructure. ESD is pleased to have played a role in securing RPO's future in New York and looks forward to the company's continued growth." "Rochester Precision Optics' tremendous success illustrates how our economic development programs positively impact companies and the local economy," said Monroe County executive Maggie Brooks. "The incentives offered by COMIDA five years ago were instrumental in keeping RPO in Monroe County and they've continued to grow, invest and create jobs. We thank them for their continued commitment to our community." RPO has completely filled its building in West Henrietta and is branching out into other related businesses. For example, RPO now makes molded plastic components and assemblies for its line of lenses and does assembly work in-house. Based on the company's substantial growth, it has decided to expand its 64,500 s/f facility by adding an additional 43,000 s/f of new space, including clean room space.