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New manufacturing site for semiconductor industry opens at STAMP
Edwards Vacuum builds $319 million facility which will have 600 employees at full capacity
Photos courtesy of Genesee County Economic Development Center: U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer joins Edwards Vacuum leaders and local officials in cutting the ribbon on Thursday for the new manufacturing site at 6685 Crosby Rd., Basom.
Press Release, Genesee County Economic Development Center
BASOM – Edwards Vacuum, a global leader in vacuum and abatement solutions and part of Atlas Copco Group, has celebrated the official opening of its new manufacturing facility in Genesee County.
The facility represents Atlas Copco Group’s continued investment in US manufacturing and semiconductor supply chain infrastructure, helping strengthen America’s ability to produce critical technologies domestically while supporting the continued growth of the semiconductor industry.
Purpose-built to produce the advanced dry vacuum pumps used in semiconductor manufacturing, the Genesee facility expands Edwards’ North American production capabilities and will cater for the demand driven by investments in semiconductor manufacturing across the US.
Powered by renewable hydroelectric energy generated from nearby Niagara Falls, the facility combines advanced manufacturing capabilities with Edwards’ commitment to sustainability, innovation and long-term regional investment.
The Genesee site will support customers across North America and around the world while creating high-quality manufacturing, engineering, and technical career opportunities in Western New York. The investment further strengthens the region’s growing position within the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
“This facility reflects our confidence in both the future of the semiconductor industry and the strength of the Western New York community,” said Dan Papsidero, General Manager of Edwards’ Product Company Genesee. “As someone who grew up in this region, it is especially rewarding to help lead an investment that creates opportunities for local talent, supports advanced manufacturing, and contributes to the continued growth of our community. We are proud to be building world-class products here, while creating long-term partnerships that will help strengthen the region for generations to come.”
The project is the result of strong collaboration between industry, government, economic development organizations, educational institutions, and community stakeholders. Edwards also recognizes the contributions of regional partners whose support helped advance the project and reinforce Western New York’s growing role in the semiconductor industry.
“The opening of Genesee marks an important milestone in Edwards’ commitment to serving the global semiconductor industry,” said Martin Tollner, President of Atlas Copco Group’s Semiconductor division. “As chip manufacturers continue to invest in next-generation technologies and expanded production in the United States, Edwards is proud to invest alongside them. This facility strengthens domestic manufacturing capabilities, supports a more resilient semiconductor supply chain, and demonstrates our commitment to providing world-class vacuum technology built in the United States.”
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer secured an $18 million federal CHIPS grant award for the Edwards Vacuum project.
“Edwards Vacuum, America’s first semiconductor dry pump manufacturing facility, is open for business right here in Genesee County!” said U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer. “Today, major semiconductor companies look to Genesee County as home to the advanced vacuum technology they need for their chip fabs that only Edwards Vacuum will make in the USA.”
“When I wrote and passed into law the CHIPS & Science Act, it was with bringing to the U.S. and New York cutting-edge facilities like this in mind,” Schumer said. “Four years ago, I personally called on Edwards to locate their new factory along Upstate New York’s emerging semiconductor superhighway. Thankfully, Edwards agreed Genesee County was the best place for their business, bringing up to 600 new, good-paying jobs to Western New York and boosting the region’s growing semiconductor Tech Hub. I’m proud to have delivered $18 million in federal CHIPS funding to Edwards Vacuum to bring this state-of-the-art facility to life. America’s next era of chip manufacturing is underway here in Upstate, and I can confidently say New York’s best days are ahead.”
Edwards Vacuum plans to produce 10,000 dry pumps per year in phase one at its Genesee County facility, with plans to scale up to 20,000 units annually.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Edwards Vacuum’s newly completed state-of-the-art facility represents hundreds of good-paying jobs and millions of dollars invested in Upstate New York. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is building a strong semiconductor ecosystem statewide, furthering its global reputation as the preeminent hub for advanced manufacturing.”
The grand opening celebration brings together employees, customers, community leaders, educational partners, economic development organizations, and elected officials to recognize the collective effort that helped bring the facility from vision to reality.
The Genesee opening reflects Atlas Copco Group’s continued investment in North American manufacturing and innovation. Together with other recently announced investments across the US, the project underscores the Group’s long-term commitment to advancing technology leadership, supporting strategic industries, strengthening American manufacturing capabilities, and creating sustainable growth opportunities for the future. Atlas Copco Group’s US footprint includes 26 production, remanufacturing, and distribution centers, more than 160 locations, and approximately 7,500 employees, demonstrating the Group’s longstanding commitment to American industry and innovation.
About Edwards
For over 100 years, we’ve been a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated vacuum and exhaust management systems and innovative service solutions. Our technology is essential in industries ranging from semiconductors and renewable energy to pharmaceuticals and scientific research.
Part of Atlas Copco Group, we operate as part of a global family of brands. Over 8,000 Edwards employees work together to create, engineer and enable environments where innovation thrives.
Editor’s Note Gov. Kathy Hochul issued this statement about Edwards Vacuum’s new facility in Genesee County: “The completion of the state-of-the-art Edwards Vacuum manufacturing facility is proof positive that there is no place else for advanced manufacturing than New York State. Edwards’ decision to choose New York means hundreds of good-paying jobs and millions of dollars in investment in the Upstate economy while helping to strengthen our domestic semiconductor supply chain and ensuring that New York remains a global hub of innovation and the epicenter of semiconductor manufacturing nationwide.”
State Assemblyman Steve Hawley issued this statement: “This is an exciting milestone for Genesee County and all of Western New York. The opening of Edwards Vacuum represents a tremendous investment in our community, bringing hundreds of good-paying jobs, strengthening our local economy and positioning our region as a leader in advanced manufacturing. Projects like this demonstrate what is possible when we invest in American manufacturing and create opportunities for hardworking New Yorkers to build successful careers right here at home.”
“Western New York has a proud history of manufacturing, and investments like this are helping build its future. I am proud to celebrate this achievement alongside Edwards Vacuum and our local partners. This facility will not only create new opportunities for our workforce but also help ensure Genesee County remains a competitive destination for businesses looking to grow and innovate. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have on our community for generations to come.”
Part of Route 237 in Kendall to close for culvert replacement from Nov. 2 to Nov. 13
Press Release, NYS Department of Transportation
KENDALL – The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that Route 237 will be closed between Route 18 and Kendall Creek Road in the Town of Kendall, Orleans County, beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, November 2, to accommodate a culvert replacement project.
The road is expected to be reopened by Friday, November 13.
Motorists should follow the posted detour using Route 104, Route 272 and Route 18.
Motorists should anticipate travel delays during this time and are advised to seek alternate routes if necessary. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.
Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.
Green Orleans program on Nov. 4 focuses on proliferation of plastics in food
Dr. Jane van Dis
ALBION – Green Orleans, a grassroots organization committed to preserving the environment and an affiliate of the Community Coalition for Justice, is sponsoring a presentation Nov. 4 at Hoag Library on “How to Eat Less Plastic.”
At 6:30 p.m., Dr. Jane van Dis, a doctor at Strong Memorial Hospital, will lead a program on the simple ways to reduce exposure to microplastics.
“We ingest plastics through the food we eat and the water we drink,” van Dis said.
Van Dis has worked with the effects of microplastics on the body, particularly effecting mothers and their babies, said Sister Dolores, coordinator of Green Orleans.
She previously spoke in Albion on March 5, 2025 in a presentation called, “The Toxicity of Plastics.” She lectures nationally and internationally on the intersection of the climate and plastic crisis and women’s and maternal health.
Van Dis co-founded OBGYN’s for Sustainable Future, an interest group of Healthcare Without Harm. She has published in academic journals on the climate crisis and women’s health. She is on Tik Tok, where she addresses plastics, pollution and women’s/maternal health and creates short educational videos.
More than 400 million tons of plastic are produced annually, and environmentalists estimate 25 to 51 trillion plastic pieces currently float across marine environments. At best, only 9 percent of plastics get recycled, Sister Dolores said. Many plastics are not recyclable and even many of those that are wind up in landfills or in our waterways.
The microplastics break down under sunlight and waves into particles smaller than 5 mm, and absorb toxic chemicals. These enter the marine food web and eventually reach human seafood supplies.
Green Orleans began as part of the Community Coalition for Justice in 2020, with people interested in the earth’s sustainability. They meet at 11:30 a.m. the third Thursday of the month at Hoag Library.
The Nov. 4 presentation will include light snacks and refreshments. Those attending are asked to bring a refillable, non-plastic water bottle.
Hrovat will serve Yates well as town supervisor
Editor:
Allow me to add my voice in support of Susan Hrovat for Yates Town Supervisor.
Susan is an accomplished leader with years of experience in multiple public service realms.
She served over two decades as a NYS parole officer and over ten years as a Lyndonville school board member.
Susan became a councilwoman on the Yates town board in 2020. Of particular note, she will be finishing her second year in December as the town’s deputy supervisor.
Did I mention she is an active member of the Lyndonville Lions Club?!
I’ve seen Susan in action – she is smart, patient, thoughtful and articulate. She listens. She is willing to make the tough decisions required of a leader in public service.
Susan consistently tries to balance the common good with the God-given dignity of each person.
I whole-heartedly endorse Susan!
Jim Simon
Yates
Kendall Lions Club donates medical equipment to war victims in Ukraine
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – Members of the Kendall Lions Club have donated medical equipment that will be going to people harmed in the Russian war against Ukraine. Mike Albanese pushes the wheelchair in this photo.
The Lions Club has a Medical Loan Closet in the basement of the Kendall Medical Office at 16815 Roosevelt Hwy. There were many surplus items and the Lions Club donated six wheelchairs, about 70 walkers, and many crutches, rolling walkers with seats and IV poles.
The club still has many of the items to loan out to people who need them in the Kendall community and eastern Orleans County.
“We have way more stuff than we need,” said John Becker, a Lion Club member who runs the Medical Loan Closet with Mike Cusimano and Gary Crawford.
Mike Albanese, left, and Tom Cole, a Lions Club member and owner of the Hilton-Spencerport Express trucking company, put the donated items in one of Cole’s trucks. Cole would then deliver the equipment to a Xerox warehouse in Webster, joining other medical equipment items that will be transported by a shipping container to Ukraine. That shipment will be coordinated by RocMaidan, a humanitarian and medical aid organization affiliated with the Ukrainian Cultural Center of Rochester.
Maureen Lemke of Kendall volunteers with RocMaidan and helped load the medical equipment on Thursday. In addition to all the medical equipment from Kendall and other medical loan closets, she said RocMaidan also will be sending hospital beds, medications, surgical backpacks and energy bars.
Ukraine has suffered since it was invaded by Russia on February 24, 2022.
RocMaidan formed in 2014 to assist Ukraine after a Russian invasion of Crimea. RocMaidan has shipped over 500 tons of aid to Ukraine since then. The organization is packing its 33rd shipping container on Saturday and it will include the medical equipment from Kendall.
Dave Strasenburgh pushes a wheelchair that will be donated to war victims in Ukraine.
Kendall has had a medical loan closet since the 1970s. It was initially based at the Kendall Fire Hall but outgrew that space. It was then in Town Hall basement but needed more room. It is now in the basement of the Kendall Medical Center, where it has a walk-out basement making it easy to bring in items and get them out when they are needed by people in the community.
The group that loaded the medical equipment on Thursday includes, front row, from left: John Becker, Mike Cusimano, Dave Strasenburgh, Gary Crawford, and Maureen and John Lemke. In back: Mike Albanese and Tom Cole.
Green rebounds at Malaysia tourney
Contributed Photo – Melanie Green
Medina’s Melanie Green had a big bounce back round Friday (Malaysia time) at the LPGA Tour’s Maybank Championship being played at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Green, who opened the tourney with a 3 over pas 75, bounced back with a 3 under par 69 second round which included 5 birdies and only 2 bogeys.
Starting on the back nine, Green had birdies on 14 and 16 which offset a bogey on 10.
She then finished strong on the front nine with birdies on 5, 7 and 9 which again more than offset a lone bogey on 1 to improve to even for the tourney.
The tournament will conclude with championship deciding rounds on Saturday and Sunday (Malaysia time).
Kendall puts in new sidewalk near Dollar General store
Photos by Tom Rivers
KENDALL – The Town of Kendall Highway Department has installed a new sidewalk from the Dollar General to Kendall Road (Route 237), a project to make pedestrians safer near a busy corridor of the town.
Dollar General opened the 9,100-square-foot store on Dec. 18, 2017 and town officials say the store has been busy. It is located on the north side of Route 18, just west of the Route 237 intersection.
The Highway Department connected a sidewalk from the store to Kendall Road.
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Seielstad urges voters to take a closer look at her campaign for County Legislature
Editor:
This letter is in response to the letter posted October 28, 2026 and written by Legislator Fitzak.
Yes, I am aware it said it was written “in my individual capacity” to skate the Hatch Act, I just personally don’t believe that you can remove your official elected position like a jacket when it’s convenient, especially to endorse a political candidate.
At any rate, I have run a campaign for the better part of 2026 without personally attacking my opponent and that will continue regardless of any negativity that may come from the other side.
What I would like to offer, that was left out of the letter are the links to the referenced documents. I would invite everyone to do your own reading so you can make up your own mind before it’s too late!
For complete transparency please go to www.Marlene4Orleans.com and follow me on Facebook at Marlene Seielstad for Orleans County Legislator at Large. Do not think you have all of the information from a couple quotes taken out of context.
I respectfully ask for your endorsement at the polls.
Thank you,
Marlene Seielstad
Carlton
Candidate for Orleans County Legislator at Large
OC Rivals blank Iroquois in sectional opener
Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Jackson Snook signals touchdown as Elijah Doxey gets set to cross the goalline during the OC Rivals sectional win over Iroquois at Vets Park this evening.
Making a very successful postseason debut, the OC Rivals shutout Iroquois 27-0 in the quarterfinal round of the Section VI Class B football playoffs this evening at Vets Park.
A 10 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Preston Woodworth to Hadrian Batista late in the first quarter proved to be the game winner on the rainy evening as Boe Preston tacked on the first of his three extra point kicks.
Runs of 24 yards by Noah Harrison, 19 by Jayzon Wills and a 16 yard Woodworth to Elijah Doxey pass completion highlighted the drive.
The OC Rivals doubled the lead over the RedHawks to 14-0 late in the second quarter on a 6 yard TD run by Doxey. Doxey set up the scoring opportunity as he intercepted the ball in the Rivals endzone and returned it 100 yards only to have a penalty wipe out the score.
The OC Rivals later put a lock on the victory with a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns the first on a 1 yard run by Woodworth and the second on a 36 yard run by Batista.
Rocco Sidari also had a big fourth quarter for the OC Rivals defense with a fumble recovery and an interception. The defense also got sacks by Parker Roberts, Matthew Jacobs and Jaxson Lynch.
Improving to 8-1, the OC Rivals now advance to next week’s semifinals against the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal between Pioneer and Maryvale.
Rocco Sidari (9) makes an interception for the OC Rivals as Jayzon Wills supports.
Hadrian Batista breaks loose for a touchdown run for the OC Rivals.
