Area Development
Rochester Precision Optics (RPO) announces it will invest $10.7 million to expand its Henrietta, NY, manufacturing facility; activity expected to retain 144 jobs and create 130 to 150 new positions in the coming years. The company said its substantial growth is driving the decision to add 43,000 square feet of new space (including clean room space) to its 64,500-sq.-ft. facility.

Specifically, along with more than $6 million in expansion and renovation work, RPO plans to buy roughly $4 million worth of new equipment.

RPO is a leading optics manufacturer providing components and full optical systems to both defense and commercial markets. Previously known as Kodak Optical Imaging Systems, it specializes in producing glass-molded aspheres using proprietary technology previously developed at Kodak.

Empire State Development has committed a $750,000 capital grant for the project, while the County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency provided a property tax abatement through its JobsPlus program.

"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 & Commissioner Kenneth Adams. "Companies like RPO see the value in the state's highly skilled workforce, manufacturing base and existing infrastructure."