Area Development
Retrotech, Inc., an engineering services firm, wholly owned subsidiary of French-based Savoye and member of Legris Industries Group, will invest $3 million to expand its production facility in Henrietta, New York. The project is expected to create 23 jobs in the Greater Rochester region during the next three years.

The company, which is exceeding expected sales and revenue objectives and has outgrown its current facility in Victor, plans to construct a larger facility in Henrietta, retaining 87 jobs in the area. Retrotech delivers complex and custom engineered solutions to the material handling industry. Its capabilities are focused on automation solutions, which include robotics, automated storage and retrieval systems, automated conveyor and palletizing systems, automated order fulfillment systems and various other mechanical systems. These mechanical systems are controlled and supported by Retrotech’s software products, which include products from machine control software to total supply chain software that manages inventory movement from production to consumption.

“Retrotech is well underway for continued success. We are experiencing significant growth and we’re very enthusiastic about starting a new business chapter in our new, high-end technical facility,” said Retrotech CEO Paul Deveikis. “After evaluating sites around the country, we decided the best location to support our sophisticated engineering, software and testing activities was right in Henrietta, NY. A large portion of our engineering staff has come from RIT and we’ve enjoyed a strong and longstanding relationship with the university. Being closer to them is only going to make that better.”

In 2011 the firm was acquired by Savoye, a France-based company specializing in automation products, with the intent to expand capabilities and develop a long term growth strategy. As an incentive, Empire State Development awarded Retrotech a $500,000 grant to help offset project costs. To assist with Retrotech’s relocation, Monroe County will also make important investments to assist the project developer through various economic development programs, including the issuance of a $200,000 low interest loan, $100,000 in training funds and a sales tax exemption of $52,800 for qualified purchases of $600,000 or more.

“Retrotech’s decision to expand operations in the Rochester area will create new economic opportunity in the region, including more than 20 new jobs for the community,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “The company’s decision to expand here in New York was an easy one thanks to the state’s high quality and experienced workforce, low operation costs and a strong network among the region’s companies and higher education institutions. Today more businesses are choosing to grow in New York State, adding private investment and new jobs while proving that there is no better place to do business than the Empire State.”

“The expansion of Retrotech demonstrates this engineering firm’s success and is great news for the Greater Rochester region,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Kenneth Adams. “Our goal is to continue to make smart investments that support job creating projects and we look forward to the ribbon cutting of the new facility in Henrietta along with the hiring of two dozen additional employees.”