CooperVision plans to expand operations at two locations in Monroe County, NY, creating to up to 173 new jobs.
Citing an increase in global demand for its contact lenses and a growing product portfolio, the company will invest more than $38 million to renovate its current facility and expand, by 150,000 square feet, its packaging and distribution facility on Thruway Park Drive in West Henrietta. The company will also complete a $24 million renovation of its manufacturing operations on North Road in Scottsville.
The West Henrietta project will be completed by the summer of 2023, according to a press release from the office of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. The updated manufacturing facility is also expected to be operational by the end of 2023.
“CooperVision has long been an important economic driver for Monroe County and the surrounding communities by providing quality jobs for hard-working New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “By supporting the company’s investments in the Finger Lakes, we continue to demonstrate New York’s steadfast commitment to fostering the growth of innovative businesses that will help move the Finger Lakes forward for generations to come.”
The West Henrietta center processes and ships nearly one billion contact lenses each year to customers in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific markets. CooperVision also plans to seek Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification as part of the expansion. Currently, all the company’s facilities across the Greater Rochester region are powered by 100 percent renewable energy, according to the release.
The company’s current local workforce includes more than 1,000 employees at its corporate offices in Victor, Ontario County, at the manufacturing facility in Scottsville and the packaging and distribution center in West Henrietta. Globally, CooperVision employs more than 12,000.
CooperVision President Jerry Warner said, “Our West Henrietta site is one of the most technologically advanced distribution centers of its kind. Every day, our team — aided by innovations such as autonomous mobile robots and heads-up wearable displays — packages, stores, and ships millions of contact lenses to eye care professionals and consumers in multiple countries. The investment in additional packaging capabilities, storage technology, and upgraded warehouse management solutions enhances our industry-leading customer service reputation. Embracing and implementing sophisticated technologies is also essential for our Scottsville contact lens manufacturing facility, which is a jewel in our global network of production sites. We are excited by the opportunity to continue our technology and employee investment in the Finger Lakes region.”
Empire State Development is assisting the company with its continued growth in the region by providing up to $1.5 million in performance-based Excelsior Tax Credits at each project site in exchange for the company’s job creation commitments. RG & E, Monroe County and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also providing assistance for the company’s expansion.