Empire State Development Announces Pace Electronics To Expand Operations in Wayne County

Electronic Contract Manufacturer Constructing 55,000 Square-Foot Production Facility: Growth Will Create and Retain More Than 40 Jobs Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced electronics contract manufacturer Pace Electronics, having outgrown its current space, will expand its operations in the Town of Williamson, Wayne County and construct a new 55,000 square-foot facility. The expansion will allow the company to create 15 new jobs; 28 jobs will be retained. ESD is assisting the project with up to $250,000 in Excelsior Tax Credits. The total project cost was placed at $4 million. Pace has teamed with regional commercial General Contractor, Taylor – The Builders, for design and construction of the expansion. Estimated completion of the project is slated for the 4th Quarter of 2021. The Wayne County Industrial Development Agency and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also assisting with the project.

Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “While Pace Electronics has a global reach, this successful company decided to expand in the Finger Lakes based on the region’s top-tier tech and manufacturing talent. The Wayne County project will create new, high-quality jobs that further support New York State’s commitment to growing both the regional and state economy.”

Founded in 1969, Pace Electronics works with clients in the medical, industrial controls, automotive, and emergency lighting and safety product industries worldwide. In addition to the Wayne County location, the company, which sources electronic components from the pacific rim, maintains manufacturing facilities in China and Malaysia, a liaison office in Hong Kong and an additional warehouse facility located in San Diego, California.

Pace Electronics has been named to the Fortune 500 list of the 100 Best Workplaces for Women. Women in fact represent half of the company’s workforce, while 67% percent of company executives are women. Dawn Smith has served as Pace Electronics’ Chief Executive Officer since 2012.

Pace Electronics CEO Dawn Smith said, “While we searched several areas to relocate, the decision to stay in Wayne County was driven by our dedicated long-term employees and the local workforce talent. Year over year growth from adding new capabilities and product offerings and most recently the acquisition of Peter Parts Electronics, we have outgrown our current facility and had to lease additional warehousing space. The new constructed headquarters will allow us the ability to advance our state-side manufacturing capabilities, warehouse all our products in one facility and give us the space required to increase our workforce.”

State Senator Pamela Helming said, “Pace Electronics is a leading high-tech manufacturer in the Finger Lakes region whose growth highlights the incredible innovation and talent we have in the 54th District. My congratulations and thanks to CEO Dawn Smith and the entire Pace Electronics team for their continued investment in Wayne County. Thank you to Empire State Development, the Wayne County IDA and all those who have assisted with this project. We must do all we can to support the growth and success of our small business job creators.”

State Assemblyman Brian Manktelow said, “It is encouraging to see a business such as Pace Electronics choosing to expand in our community. I thank Empire State Development for making the investment into Pace Electronics and will continue our mission to move the Finger Lakes forward into tomorrow. The mere fact that they are a growing business, and choosing to build and expand in our community, retaining their workforce and adding an additional 15 jobs is truly exciting. This news could not come at a better time. As we move into warm days, and our State is reopening amidst the pandemic, Pace Electronics helps shine a beacon of light and hope for the days to come.”

Williamson Town Supervisor Anthony Verno said, “The town is grateful that Pace has decided to expand in Williamson. I want to thank Pace Electronics and all the employees that were instrumental in making this happen.”

Wayne County Industrial Development Agency Director Brian Pincelli said, “Pace Electronics dedication to their employees and continued growth in Wayne County is a testament to their leadership and the quality of workforce we have in the County. We’re proud to be the home of their corporate headquarters and we were happy to be able to support their continued growth and success.”

Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “Pace Electronics chose to invest in Rochester, NY’s Wayne County, to capitalize on our region’s exceptional talent in the electronic contract manufacturing industry and the perfect facility to support their expansion plans.”

For additional information about Pace Electronics, visit https://www.paceelectronics.com/

Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward
Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $8.07 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.