IDEX Health & Science will expand its optics and photonics operations with an Optical Center of Excellence in Henrietta, Monroe County, New York.

The new center will support the company's life science, semi-conductor, and defense businesses. According to state officials, IDEX Health & Science had considered moving its operations out of New York State. The company plans to eventually lease close to 100,000 square-feet in a newly constructed facility and will create up to 34 new full-time jobs; 186 jobs will be retained as a result of the state's investment. The company expects to break ground on the project this fall.

Gus Salem, President, IDEX Health & Science said, "We selected the Rochester area for our new facility due to its strong history in optics technology and its base of people, universities and supporting businesses. We are pleased we can maintain our base of existing employees and business functions in the Finger Lakes Region. We are very thankful for the support of Empire State Development, New York State, and local governments that helped make this project possible."

To encourage IDEX Health & Science to expand its operations in New York State, Empire State Development will provide up to $2.4 million through the Excelsior Jobs Program in exchange for job creation commitments.

"The Finger Lakes is a growing global hub for the optics, photonics and imaging industries helping to spur economic growth and create jobs across the region," Governor Andrew Cuomo said. "With this expansion, this successful company will stay in the region, creating jobs for New Yorkers while continuing to push the Finger Lakes forward."

As part of the expansion project, IDEX Health & Science will install high-tech machinery and equipment in the new space and install cleanroom space on-site. The company will initially occupy 83,000 square-feet of the new build, with plans for future expansion.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "IDEX Health & Science is one of the many successful photonics manufacturers in the Finger Lakes region. The area is home to over 100 local optics, photonics and imaging companies which are utilizing the regional workforce and technology base to expand and create jobs."

The global photonics company specializes in fluidics and optics serving the life sciences, semiconductor, and defense markets. Product offerings include: connections, valves, pumps, degassers, column hardware, manifolds, microfluidics, consumables, integrated fluidic assemblies, filters, lenses, shutters, laser sources, light engines and integrated optical assemblies.