Governor Cuomo Presents 28th Proposal of 2017 State of the State: Saab to Establish North American Headquarters for Defense and Security Division in New York State
Saab North America, Inc. will Invest $55 Million in Central New YorkUpstate Revitalization Initiative Funding to Support the Creation of Nearly 260 High-Tech Jobs and Retention of More Than 450 Jobs
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced that Saab, a multi-national
company with world-leading products, services and solutions within military
defense and civil security, will invest $55 million to relocate the North
American headquarters of Saab Defense and Security USA, LLC, to East Syracuse,
Onondaga County. The move, in conjunction with other planned activities,
will result in the creation of nearly 260 new, high-tech jobs, as well
as the retention of Saab’s existing local workforce of more than
450 employees in Central New York.
“Saab’s decision to locate the North American headquarters
of its defense and security division in Central New York is a testament
the region’s economic opportunity and our commitment to bringing
the jobs of tomorrow to New Yorkers today,”
Governor Cuomo said. “This investment will ensure New York remains a leader in advanced
manufacturing, as we support the production of next generation security
measures in Central New York. We will continue making strategic investments
to create high-paying jobs, promote economic opportunities, and strengthen
our regional economies for generations to come.”
Saab’s plans to expand its North American headquarters of Defense
and Security USA strongly align with the region’s “CNY Rising”
Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) plan, which identifies a focus
on precision sensing as a major area of future growth potential in Central New York.
Saab Expanding in Central New York
Saab Defense and Security USA provides solutions and technologies that
are central to U.S. defense and homeland security. A subsidiary of the
Saab Group, the division develops, modifies and delivers Saab's portfolio
to U.S.-based customers. Saab currently operates two facilities in Central
New York, in DeWitt and East Syracuse. This project will establish the
East Syracuse facility as the new North American headquarters for Saab
Defense and Security USA, while also helping to grow Saab Sensis Corporation.
Additionally, the company will begin a technology transfer program at
the DeWitt facility that will enable Saab Defense and Security USA to
develop new products optimized for the United States government and industry
customers.
Saab’s significant investment, job creation and retention in New
York is supported by an incentive package aimed to encourage Saab’s
efforts to stimulate industrial growth in Central New York. Empire State
Development will provide performance-based incentives of up to $30 million,
including $20 million in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits and a $10
million URI grant. Through its subsidiaries, Saab North America, Inc.
will invest approximately $55 million over the period of the agreement,
which will include technology transfer, building renovations, the installation
of machinery and equipment, and the installation of furniture, fixtures
and equipment. As a result, Saab will create 258 new jobs at its subsidiaries
– Saab Defense and Security USA and Saab Sensis Corporation –
while retaining its existing Upstate New York workforce of 456 employees.
Saab Defense and Security USA President and CEO Erik Smith said, “We are extremely pleased to take this next step forward in the
development and growth of Saab in the United States and even more to do
so in partnership with the State of New York. Together we will bring new
technology innovation and the job growth that follows to Syracuse and
the Central New York region”.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Saab’s significant commitment to Central New York is great
news for the local economy, as it will further strengthen the region’s
fast-growing, high-tech industry cluster. Our partnership with Saab is
going to create hundreds of new, well-paying jobs and generate economic
opportunities – that’s a win-win for Upstate New York.”
Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-chairs Robert
Simpson, President and CEO of Centerstate CEO, and Dr. Danielle Laraque-Arena,
President of SUNY Upstate Medical University, said, “This investment builds on our region’s existing strengths
in the aerospace and precision sensing industries, and aligns with investments
Governor Cuomo has made in the CNY Rising plan. Saab’s decision
to bring its North American headquarters to Central New York, expand operations,
and relocate jobs is further validation that the region is becoming a
global leader for this high tech industry. Along with the previously announced
investments in unmanned aerial systems, Central New York is poised to
drive new growth and attract further investments from firms in this sector.”
Saab’s decision to locate the North American headquarters of its defense and security division in Central New York is a testament the region’s economic opportunity.
With several locations across the United States and Canada, Saab North America provides a broad range of defense and homeland security products, services and solutions to North American customers. Saab North America is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Saab Group, which has operations and employees on all continents around the world. Saab Defense and Security USA LLC, a subsidiary of Saab North America, delivers advanced technology and systems to United States armed forces and other government agencies. The defense company, which will now be headquartered in Syracuse, has business units and local employees in four states and Washington, DC.