IDEX Project Will Add 34 Photonics Jobs to Rochester

LeFrois Builders and Developers is proud to partner with IDEX Health & Science to build their $14M, 100,000-SF “Optical Center of Excellence” for manufacturing at our John Street property in Henrietta. The project will create 34 new full-time jobs in Rochester, and keep 186 jobs in New York.

State & Local Support

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced $2.4M in Excelsior Jobs Program assistance. Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo also announced that IDEX was approved for property, sales, and mortgage recording tax breaks. The tax breaks total $1.27M from local Industrial Development Agency, Imagine Monroe. IDEX plans to invest over $3M.

Rochester Becoming the Hub for Photonics

Two years ago, federal, state, and local officials announced Rochester as the national headquarters for an over $600M research and manufacturing hub dedicated to integrated photonics. This IDEX project is especially exciting because it is the first real example to come out of political efforts to create photonics jobs in Rochester.

IDEX employees at the new facility will design and manufacture lasers, optical filters, high-performance lens assemblies, and opto-mechanical systems for illumination and imaging applications. Customer applications will range from DNA sequencing to semiconductor lithography. Their products serve the life science, semiconductor, and defense markets.

IDEX Health & Science, a segment of IDEX Corp., is based in California. They had considered shifting all operations to California; however, due to its strong history in optics technology, local talent, universities, supporting businesses, and state aid, they chose Rochester. Because of these reasons, Rochester has the ability to continue attracting modern imaging companies like IDEX that will build the future of our economy.

About the Facility

LeFrois will construct and own the facility and lease the space to IDEX. Located just south of Rochester Institute of Technology, the building will feature a cleanroom space on-site and house new high-tech machinery and equipment from IDEX companies: Melles Griot and Semrock. IDEX will initially occupy 83,000 SF, with plans for future expansion. The project is expected to break ground this fall.

Ready to Start Your Project?

LeFrois works with project owners, CEOs, and government officials to promote company growth and increase jobs in Rochester by building and providing functional buildings and ideal commercial real estate. If now or at any time you have questions please contact us. During our conversation, we can discuss feasibility and determine if we are the best fit to design and build your next construction project.