In 2022, The CHIPS and Science Act was signed into law and quickly became a game-changer for the United States manufacturing and technology sectors. This $280 billion federal initiative is designed to boost domestic semiconductor production, reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, and solidify the U.S. as a global leader in cutting-edge industries like artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.
For New York State, the impact of this legislation is already being felt. The Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse region has been named one of the nation’s 12 Tech Hubs, securing a $40 million federal grant to drive innovation and growth. This designation positions the region as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and high-tech advancements, creating a ripple effect of opportunities for local manufacturers and contractors.
New York’s strong manufacturing base plays a critical role in supporting these advancements. Local companies are already essential in supplying, building, and maintaining the infrastructure needed for semiconductor production and other tech-driven industries. At the same time, the state is becoming a magnet for global companies looking to establish advanced manufacturing plants, thanks to its network of research-driven universities and skilled workforce. This combination is set to fuel job creation, drive economic growth, and solidify New York as a leader in the next wave of industrial advancement.
As New York State positions itself as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced technology, the demand for specialized industrial services has never been greater. These projects require more than just basic equipment handling—they demand expertise and the ability to adapt to the unique challenges of this dynamic industry.
Precision Equipment Installation
Semiconductor facilities depend on the exact placement of machinery within controlled environments like clean rooms. These machines, often worth millions of dollars, must be installed with millimeter accuracy to ensure optimal performance and minimal disruption to production. Hydraulic gantry systems, skates, and other advanced rigging tools make this possible, allowing contractors to maneuver heavy, sensitive equipment into position without damage or misalignment.
Heavy Equipment Relocation
Moving large, complex equipment comes with its own logistical challenges that require careful planning and execution. Rigging teams must navigate tight spaces, uneven floors, and fragile components to ensure equipment is set properly and is ready for operation. This level of expertise minimizes downtime and keeps high-tech facilities running smoothly, especially as they expand to meet growing demand.
Safety and Compliance
To ensure that installations and equipment relocations are completed efficiently—without compromising worker safety or the integrity of the machinery—rigging contractors must adhere to stringent safety and industry standards. This goes beyond just PPE; all rigging equipment must undergo regular inspections and maintenance, teams should receive continuous training in best practices for load handling and hazard mitigation, and project plans should be monitored and evaluated for site conditions, weight distribution, environmental factors, and contingency strategies.
Local contractors play a vital role in supporting the region’s Tech Hub designation by offering tailored solutions that meet the unique demands of these growing organizations. Partnering with these experts provides significant advantages for manufacturers and tech companies alike.
Deep Regional Expertise
Local rigging specialists have an in-depth understanding of the facilities and infrastructure within this region. This familiarity allows them to anticipate and overcome logistical challenges, such as navigating tight urban spaces or adhering to state-specific regulations, ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and on time.
Faster Response Times
When timelines are tight, having a rigging partner nearby can make all the difference. Local contractors can mobilize quickly, whether for planned installations or emergency relocations. This minimizes downtime and ensures critical equipment is back online as soon as possible—an invaluable benefit in industries where every minute counts.
Cost Efficiency
Choosing a local partner can also reduce costs associated with travel, equipment transport, and other logistics. Additionally, local rigging specialists often have established relationships with regional suppliers and contractors, streamlining the process and eliminating unnecessary delays.
Supporting the Local Economy
Partnering with local rigging specialists goes beyond individual projects—it drives long-term economic growth for the entire region. By working with local contractors, manufacturers, and tech companies not only create jobs and support workforce development but also reinforces the foundation of New York’s expanding industrial sector. The impact extends even further, as these workers reinvest in their communities, supporting local suppliers, restaurants, and small businesses, creating a ripple effect that fuels sustained economic vitality.
Boulter Project Manager Jeff Smith knows this firsthand. He began his career as an Ironworker in 1998, working on projects both locally and out of state. But for Jeff, nothing is more rewarding than working close to home—supporting local restaurants that serve his favorite breakfast, or the neighborhood store owned by families whose kids play sports with his own.
With approximately $40 million in federal funding, this initiative is designed to expand manufacturing capabilities, strengthen the supply chain, and drive technological advancements. Local manufacturers, contractors, and suppliers will directly benefit as investments in infrastructure and workforce development accelerate, creating new opportunities for collaboration and long-term growth.
EDA’s strategic investments focus on scaling manufacturing support, closing workforce gaps, and enhancing research and development access—all of which will strengthen the region’s status as a national leader in semiconductor production. These initiatives combined with the region’s existing industrial strengths will ensure sustainable economic expansion that benefits businesses, workers, and communities.
Strengthening the Workforce
One of the most exciting aspects of the Tech Hub initiative is its emphasis on workforce development. As the region emerges as a leader in advanced manufacturing, the demand for skilled workers—both within manufacturing facilities and among the contractors supporting these projects—will continue to grow. This brings more emphasis on Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs across the state, which are designed to train high schoolers and upskill the workforce, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent to meet the needs of the industry.
One example of this investment in workforce development is the Mechatronics program established with the support of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) and the NYS Apprenticeship program. Designed to fill critical skills gaps, this program provides hands-on training in mechanical, electrical, and computerized systems—essential skills for advanced manufacturing and semiconductor production.
Chris Suozzi, EVP of Business & Workforce Development at GCEDC, highlights the success of these initiatives in preparing the next generation of skilled technicians:
By equipping students with real-world experience, industry certifications, and training on advanced equipment, programs like this are playing a key role in building the workforce necessary to support the region’s Tech Hub designation.
Fostering Innovation
The university system along I-90 attracts thousands of students from around the world each year for its advanced curriculum. Institutions like the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), the University at Buffalo, and Syracuse University have been instrumental in developing a highly skilled workforce and fostering industry partnerships. This robust educational foundation has played a key role in the region’s advanced manufacturing sector.
Economic Growth
From local contractors to global manufacturers, the economic benefits of the Tech Hub designation are vast. Increased investments in infrastructure lead to more projects, creating jobs and driving demand for industrial contracting services. As high-tech industries expand and more manufacturers establish operations in the area, the demand for skilled labor will attract new talent. This growth will lead to an increase in university enrollments, a heavier focus on BOCES programs, the development of more small businesses and restaurants, and a rise in homeownership as workers and their families settle in the region.
The SMART I-Corridor Tech Hub designation marks a turning point for New York State, positioning it at the forefront of manufacturing and technological innovation. This achievement not only highlights the state’s rich industrial legacy but also lays the foundation for an exciting future filled with opportunity.
For local manufacturers and contractors, the designation is a call to action—a chance to play a vital role in shaping the region’s growth and success. Industrial contractors are essential in supporting the infrastructure that will power this transformation, ensuring that facilities are ready to meet the demands of high-tech industries.
With the CHIPS and Science Act fueling investment, collaboration, and workforce development, New York is poised to become a global leader in advanced manufacturing. The excitement surrounding this designation is palpable, and the future for the region—and the industries it supports—has never looked brighter.