Rochester Precision Optics (RPO) held a ribbon cutting ceremony April 11 to celebrate its newly expanded 107,500-sq-ft facility. RPO began the $10.7 million expansion project at its headquarters in June 2011 by adding 43,000 square feet of new space to its pre-existing 64,500-sq-ft facility. The expansion adds more than 150 new jobs while retaining the 180 positions currently filled in the company. (See also: RPO Invests $11M in Expansion) “Companies like Rochester Precision Optics are developing the materials that are critical to our war fighters who continue to put themselves into harm’s way to defend our freedom,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer. “It’s thanks to the hard work of the people at RPO that we are able to provide the most innovative and vital technologies to those on the frontlines.” From left: Senator Chuck Schumer; Bill Hurley, RPO president; Maggie Brooks, Monroe County Commissioner; and Kevin Hurley, NYS Empire State Development. (Image: RPO) Schumer and Monroe County executive Maggie Brooks were both in attendance for the facility tour and ribbon cutting ceremony. Empire State Development, New York's chief economic development agency, committed a $750,000 capital grant to the project. The County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency (COMIDA) provided a property tax abatement through its JobsPlus program. RPO is also discussing the final details of an economic development grant that Rochester Gas & Electric will award the company to help offset the costs of electric infrastructure improvements at the site. “Rochester Precision Optics’ incredible success illustrates how our economic development programs positively impact companies and our local economy,” Brooks said. “The incentives offered by COMIDA have been key in keeping RPO in Monroe County, and they’ve continued to grow, invest and create jobs. We thank them for their continued commitment to our community.” Formerly Kodak Optical Imaging Systems, a unit of Eastman Kodak, RPO manufactures optical components and assemblies for commercial, military and industrial systems. The company also has facilities in New Hampshire and overseas in Shanghai. For more information, visit: www.rpoptics.com