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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

EvolvOptic Expands Rochester, New York, Production Operations

05/23/2025
EvolvOptic, formed through Advanced Glass Industries’ acquisition of Glass Fab Inc., plans to expand its operations in Rochester, New York. The $5.1 million project is expected to create up to 40 jobs over the next five years.

“We are excited to be entering this new chapter of New York’s leadership in optics technologies, as our?targeted capability expansion will enable EvolvOptic to?provide?solutions for the growing,?unmet needs of the optics industry, including the semiconductor industry, space- and ground-based imaging systems, directed energy, and high-energy laser research,” said EvolvOptic President, Ted Mooney, PhD. “AGI and Glass Fab?— now collectively known as EvolvOptic —?have been preferred partners for supplying high-quality precision blanks?to leading global companies for the creation of optical lenses and instruments used in space, the medical field, and mission-critical defense.?Combining our capabilities?creates a stronger, more competitive optics company — with deep local roots?in New York for more than 80 years?and a growing global reach.”

To support the project Empire State Development (ESD) is providing up to $600,000 through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program. Monroe County, the City of Rochester and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also assisting with the company’s growth.

“Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is emerging as a global hub for the semiconductor industry,”noted Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. “Our support for innovative companies like EvolvOptic reinforces New York’s commitment to a robust semiconductor ecosystem that’s vital to growing this important sector, boosting our economy and creating the jobs of the future statewide.”

EvolvOptic is a precision manufacturer supplying the industry with precision machined and molded glass blanks for the optics industry. The company works with a variety of glasses including fused silica, fused quartz, optical glass, low expansion materials, filter glass, and more.

“Advanced Glass Industries and Glass Fab Inc. are joining forces to create EvolvOptic in Rochester, reinforcing this region’s world leadership as the epicenter for optics, photonics, imaging, and laser technologies,” added Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO of GRE. “Greater Rochester has the talent, the ecosystem, and the low cost of doing business, which creates the right environment for EvolvOptic to thrive. GRE connected EvolvOptic leaders to state, county, and city leaders as well as local suppliers and will look forward to continuing to support the company’s growth plans.”

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