Regional reaction to Micron Technology’s decision to build chip plant in suburban Syracuse

The Tuesday announcement from Boise, Idaho–based Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) that it plans to build a semiconductor campus in the town of Clay has generated plenty of reaction around upstate New York.

CenterState CEO

“The scale of Micron’s semiconductor facility in Central New York is truly without comparison and will put our community at the forefront of semiconductor manufacturing,” Robert Simpson, president and CEO of CenterState CEO, said in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Tuesday news release. “The investments and jobs that will be created by Micron will transform our community and have economic benefits that ripple across the state. For two decades, the leaders of this community have worked to create the kind of place that could support a project of this scale. I am exceptionally proud that Micron noticed our history of self-led revitalization efforts. Fast, leading-edge memory is critical to the growth of IoT, Smart Cities, 5G, and the UAS sectors, in which we have made targeted regional investments. Micron’s presence in Central New York fills a critical gap in our long-term strategy to develop end-to-end solutions for the growing global demand for Smart Systems. I am incredibly proud of the work of our local, state, and federal partners, who teamed up to land this monumentally important project. Our team is ready to continue working with Micron to ensure its long-term success here. Micron, welcome to Central New York.”

City of Syracuse

“The rise of Syracuse as one of the leading places in the nation for technology investment is going to the next level,” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said. “Micron’s commitment to build a ‘mega-complex’ in Onondaga County brings historic energy to the Syracuse Surge, our strategy for inclusive growth in the New Economy. Syracuse and Central New York are honored by Micron’s vote of confidence in the region. I spoke with Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra early this morning and told him Syracuse is ready to help the company compete and lead globally in semiconductor manufacturing, research, and development. I thank President Biden and Majority Leader Schumer for their leadership and Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Katko for their support for this investment. I’m also grateful to Governor Hochul, County Executive McMahon, CenterState CEO and our other local partners for making this day a reality. Syracuse is prepared for the work and partnership ahead to create opportunity for all.”

Mohawk Valley EDGE

In its statement, Mohawk Valley EDGE says it welcomes Micron’s new state-of-the-art semiconductor campus to the Central New York region.

“Today’s announcement furthers the continued positive economic transformation and forward momentum happening in Upstate New York,” Steven DiMeo, president of Mohawk Valley EDGE, said. “The adoption of the Chips for America Act through Senator Charles Schumer’s leadership and Governor Hochul’s approval of the New York Green Chips Act has positioned New York as an attractive option for an industry that is looking to add fab capacity and building stronger, more resilient global supply chains.”

MACNY, the Manufacturers Association

Randy Wolken, president and CEO of DeWitt–based MACNY, the Manufacturers Assocation, said the Micron announcement will “undoubtedly be transformative” for the Central New York community, New York, and beyond.

“As a leader in manufacturing and tech-workforce development, MACNY knows that our region is filled with a skilled and diverse workforce. We look forward to working with Micron and the entire manufacturing community to help fill the talent pipeline needed for the existing, and future, manufacturing industries to thrive across our region and state.

Not only will the project create thousands of advanced-manufacturing jobs and other positions, but it will elevate New York’s profile as a high-tech manufacturing hub while strengthening our economic and national security. The White Pine Commerce Park in Clay is ideally positioned because of its shovel-ready infrastructure and availability of abundant energy and water. Central and Upstate New York have a great manufacturing history which is one of the many reasons this investment is being made here.

MACNY applauds U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon for their tireless and collective efforts to make this project a reality. As a part of the many people who helped make this investment a reality, the MACNY team is excited, ready, and committed to collaborate with our community partners and to be part of this historic endeavor. This investment over the decades ahead will be groundbreaking for the Central New York region we are proud to call home.”

National Grid

“National Grid has supported efforts to develop the White Pine Commerce Park for decades and our work has intensified in recent years. Investments we made in nearby electric and natural gas assets helped make it a potentially attractive site. That potential was realized in today’s announcement, and we look forward to the monumental impact that this will have on our community. We are very pleased to welcome Micron to central New York,” the energy company said in a Tuesday statement.