Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that QED Technologies International, a leading manufacturer of advanced capital equipment for precision optics fabrication and metrology, and a precision optics fabricator, to substantially expand operations in Rochester, NY. The expansion will support the creation of up to 72 new jobs over the next five years. ESD is providing up to $1.5 million for the project through the Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program. Monroe County, the City of Rochester, and Greater Rochester Enterprise also offered assistance for the expansion. The total project cost has been placed at $18.7 million.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York State’s strategic investments are reinforcing the Finger Lakes region’s continued growth as a globally renowned optics, photonics and imaging hub. Our focused commitment to workforce development and 21st century jobs means that companies like QED Technologies can continue to grow here, with a pipeline to the tech talent they need to succeed.”
QED will add up to 20,000 square feet to its University Avenue facility establishing a new research and development (R&D) center and expand its precision optics fabrication capabilities. The R&D center will focus on creating next-generation tools and processes that support QED’s products and innovation pipeline, while the fabrication division will continue producing world class precision optics.
By centralizing these functions, QED expects to accelerate the translation of R&D breakthroughs into advanced finishing and metrology equipment for the semiconductor, aerospace, and defense industries. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
QED Technologies International, President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Mohammadi said, “We are incredibly grateful for the support of Empire State Development and the State of New York in helping us establish our new, world-class precision optics manufacturing and customer experience center. 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. 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.”
Founded in Rochester in 1996, QED Technologies International designs and builds high-precision equipment for optics finishing and metrology, and also fabricates advanced optical components. Its magnetorheological finishing (MRF) and subaperture stitching interferometry (SSI) technologies are used globally in critical industries. This expansion is critical to meet growing fabrication demand for precision optics technologies in the semiconductor, defense, and aerospace industries. The development of innovative new tools and the expansion of fabrication capabilities is essential to ensure the U.S. retains its competitive edge in these high-tech fields and to support critical national defense initiatives. Advanced optics, including those produced by QED Technologies, are integral to defense systems, directed energy, and space applications, making this project vital for national security.
Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson, Chair – Assembly Labor Committee, said, “The continued investment in QED Technologies at their University Avenue location reinforces Rochester’s reputation as a worldwide leader in the optics, photonics and imaging industries. This strategic expansion also demonstrates our continued commitment to adding jobs and workforce development opportunities to an underserved area, with the goal of uplifting people to the middle class and adding vitality to our neighborhoods. I thank my partners in government at the City of Rochester and Empire State Development, and QED Technologies International, for their work to bring this to fruition.”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “QED Technologies’ expansion is another exciting development in the burgeoning optics industry in Monroe County. The addition of 72 new jobs over five years will strengthen our local economy and better position our region as a global leader in this growing industry. Congratulations to President and CEO Michael Mohammadi in taking this next step in growing QED’s research and development capabilities while increasing its production of precision optics. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development President and CEO Hope Knight for their continued investment in making the Finger Lakes region a global leader in optics, photonics and imaging, which will benefit our economy well into the 21st century.”
City of Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said, “Our legacy as a global leader in optics and photonics continues to shine brighter with QED Technologies’ bold expansion here. We’re making Rochester more equitable and more prosperous by working with our partners to attract and retain companies that offer good-paying careers today and into the future. We’re grateful to Governor Hochul and the State of New York for supporting this growth. This is what momentum looks like. This is how we move Rochester forward together.”
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO and Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair Bob Duffy, said, “Congratulations to Michael Mohammadi and the QED Technologies team on this exciting expansion. This significant investment in our region will further Greater Rochester’s reputation as a world-class hub for optics. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul, Empire State Development, the City of Rochester, and all other partners who helped make this project possible. Collaboration like this is the key to a resilient and interconnected economy. We are proud to help foster further collaboration to build a strong workforce pipeline, supporting continued job creation, business expansion, and regional prosperity.”
Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “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. 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.”
For additional information about QED Technologies International, visit: https://qedmrf.com/