ENDICOTT, NY – (WIVT/WBGH) BAE is planning a major expansion in Endicott as it invests more in electric aviation technology. BAE is planning a $65 million expansion on the Huron Campus to accommodate a new battery production line, lab space, and new office space.

According to Empire State Development, the aerospace technology firm has committed to adding 134 new jobs while occupying an additional 150,000 square feet of existing space on the Huron Campus. The batteries will be developed for electric and hybrid electric airplanes.

Planning for the expansion has been in the works for months, with some employees already transitioning to work on aircraft electrification. The announcement dovetails well with efforts by New Energy New York and others to establish a battery research and manufacturing ecosystem in Greater Binghamton, and more specifically Endicott.

The project is being supported by up to $8.5 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits from Empire State Development, along with support from Broome County. The facility will include an
automated state-of-the-art production line and engineering lab as well as an aftermarket center. The goal is to have it fully completed by 2027.

E.S.D. Commissioner Hope Knight is scheduled to visit Endicott on Wednesday to make the formal announcement. Governor Kathy Hochul released the following statement:

“BAE Systems’ decision to further expand its business represents yet another win for New York State and for the Southern Tier, which is laser focused on becoming a global hub for next-generation battery innovation efforts. Since taking office, I have remained committed to bringing jobs back to Upstate New York. This incredibly successful company chose to grow its operations here, spurring top-quality, good-paying job creation in the region because they have seen firsthand how hardworking New Yorkers are.”

Endicott Mayor Nick Burlingame released a statement that said in part, “We look forward to the jobs, economic impact, and advancements this expansion will bring to Endicott.”

Senator Chuck Schumer, a long-time supporter of the battery industry in Greater Binghamton, commented on the expansion as well. Schumer released the following statement:

“BAE Systems is adding 130+ good-paying jobs right here in the Southern Tier to make sure the next generation of America’s batteries are stamped ‘Made in Upstate NY.’ This $65 million expansion to add a new battery production line, research lab, and office helps show how we can bring this supply chain back from overseas, with the Southern Tier leading the way to make sure the future of battery manufacturing is manufactured in Broome County, not Beijing. BAE Systems is a vital part of the Southern Tier economy, with a world-class workforce of over 1200 people, and selecting this area for their major battery production expansion is no accident. I’m proud of the millions in federal support I’ve delivered – via the American Rescue Plan and my bipartisan CHIPS & Science Act – to the region to make it a global center for battery research and set the stage for today’s announcement. Today BAE is helping add another loop to establish this region as a core of manufacturing and innovation for America’s battery belt”