Project will lead to creation of up to 134 new jobs

ENDICOTT — Work is underway on a $65 million project to expand operations at the Endicott location of BAE Systems.

That’s according to a company spokesperson, responding to a CNYBJ inquiry on March 4.

The global aerospace, defense, and information security company will add a total of 150,000 square feet to its existing site to make way for the addition of a new battery production line and lab space, and new office space.

As a result of the expansion, BAE Systems has committed to creating up to 134 jobs onsite, Gov. Kathy Hochul and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) announced on Feb. 19.

Empire State Development is helping the project with up to $8.5 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs program tax credits in exchange for the job-creation commitments. Broome County is also providing assistance for the project, Hochul’s office said.

BAE Systems has about 93,500 employees worldwide.

The BAE Systems facility in Endicott designs, develops, and produces a broad portfolio of safety-critical electronic systems from flight and engine controls to power and energy-management systems. The company has been operational at the Huron Campus site since 2011.

“This facility expansion reinforces our commitment to the Southern Tier and builds on New York State’s vision to create a regional hub for battery innovation,” Jim Garceau, senior director of BAE Systems, said in the governor’s announcement. “With this investment, we will enhance our capabilities to address the emerging needs of the next-generation hybrid/electric aircraft.”

The project involves the expansion of BAE Systems battery-production line, including the purchase and installation of machinery and equipment to efficiently produce an energy-storage system for electric/hybrid electric aircraft. This facility will include an automated, state-of-the-art production line, an engineering lab, and an aftermarket center. The firm expects the project will be fully complete in 2027.

“BAE Systems’ expansion will create top-quality jobs and opportunities in the Southern Tier, furthering the region’s leadership in battery technology innovation,” Hope Knight, president, CEO, and commissioner of Empire State Development, said.

Government role

Hochul’s office says the governor and Senator Schumer were “instrumental” in the company’s decision having worked closely with BAE Systems officials to “ensure that the project would move ahead in New York’s Southern Tier region,” which is focused on supporting next-generation energy efforts, described as a “top priority for the governor and senator.”

In January 2024, both Hochul and Schumer announced that the U.S. National Science Foundation had designated the New Energy New York (NENY) Storage Engine as a regional innovation engine (NSF Engine), which was created by the Senator’s CHIPS & Science Law.

The NENY Storage Engine, anchored at Binghamton University, will receive up to $15 million in federal funding for two years and up to $160 million over 10 years to establish a hub that will accelerate innovation, technology translation, and the creation of a skilled workforce to grow the capacity of the domestic battery industry.

Through Empire State Development, the state will match up to 20 percent for the first five years of the project, as well as provide support through established programs. The NENY Storage Engine was chosen for its “diverse, cross-sector coalition that will build a leading ecosystem driving battery technology innovation, workforce development and manufacturing to support U.S. national security and global competitiveness,” Hochul’s office said.