Marquardt expands into the drone industry, adding local jobs

CAZENOVIA, N.Y. — Marquardt, an electro-mechanical component designer and manufacturer with a plant in the Cazenovia area, recently announced it has entered into the drone technology industry, which will bring new manufacturing business and jobs to the area.

Marquardt, which has been in Central New York for 41 years, said is a major supporter of GENIUS NY, a $3 million business-accelerator competition focused on uncrewed systems, Internet of Things, robotics, and big-data startups. Marquardt is offering its expertise and experience in manufacturing to companies in this competition, which includes access to its 115,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Earlier this year, Marquardt secured a partnership with the 2021 GENIUS NY grand prize winner, Airtonomy — a company focused on drone-data management. 

To continue to support new business opportunities along with its other current projects, Marquardt said it is now actively hiring for several jobs, including engineers, production associates, and business-development roles.

“We’re looking to hire people who are passionate, innovative, and want to be involved with shaping the future of drone technology and high-tech manufacturing in Central New York,” Steve Maloney, Marquardt’s director of human resources, said in a June 14 release.

Marquardt manufactures complex systems in the automotive, off-road, and home industries — partnering with companies such as Ford Motor Company, General Motors, John Deere, and Stanley Black & Decker. The company makes a wide range of products and solutions, including wireless-communication systems, electronic components, and e-mobility technology. 

Marquardt contends that it has evolved throughout the years to stay competitive and is not afraid to pursue business opportunities outside of its traditional lines of business. Marquardt said it “sees a big future in drone technology.”

New York State has invested heavily over the past five years to create a 50-mile uncrewed autonomous systems corridor and advanced air mobility proving grounds, commonly known as the “Drone Corridor” between Syracuse and Griffiss International Airport in Rome, Managed by NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc). Marquardt’s facility, located on Route 20, is just a short drive from this massive testing range, the company noted.

“Central New York has the potential to be the ‘Silicon Valley’ of drone technology. As these new drone start-ups look to build their businesses in our area, Marquardt’s goal is to help them launch products with a precise blueprint for success,” Chris Berry, Marquardt’s business-development manager said.

In addition to local partnerships, Marquardt has extended its outreach to drone companies on a national level. Marquardt recently attended the AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2022 conference in Orlando, Florida, an annual event that attracts top minds and unmanned aerial system industry leaders. Marquardt noted that it made several new connections at the show and is hoping to attract these companies to the Central New York area in the near future.

Marquardt, headquartered in Germany, has more than 10,500 employees in 21 locations worldwide. Marquardt’s U.S. Division is comprised of its North American headquarters, near Cazenovia. The company also has an office in Rochester Hills, Michigan.