Austrian Chip Maker Pulls Out Of Marcy Chip Fab Plant

Austrian computer chip maker ams AG is pulling the plug on a $2 billion chip fab plant at SUNY Poly in Marcy.

The Albany "Times Union" is reporting that AG's board has told employees they are no longer pursuing the plant due to delays.

Ground was broken for the plant in April, but work has stalled.

The chip fab plant is a key component of the Nano Utica project.

Local elected officials held a news conference this afternoon to address the issue.

Senator Joseph Griffo said the state is still committed to the site.

Mohawk Valley EDGE President Steve DiMeo said ams AG is not the only company that was considered for the project and the opportunity has put the area on a global stage.

LOCAL OFFICIALS DISCUSS LATEST NANO UTICA DEVELOPMENTS

Empire State Development has released the following statement:

“In September, ESD assumed the lead role on SUNY Poly projects and we immediately engaged with ams AG officials to reinforce the state’s unwavering commitment to moving the project forward in the Mohawk Valley.  Unfortunately, under the previous management of SUNY Poly, the project experienced several long delays and, as a result, ams AG recently informed us of its decision to withdraw from the planned chip fabrication project at the Marcy Nanocenter.

“While this is certainly a disappointing development, New York State remains strongly committed to making investments in the Mohawk Valley that will create well-paying jobs and grow the regional economy. In fact, the state’s funding committed to the ams AG project will be available to support projects in the region and multi-million dollar construction work will continue at the site to provide the needed infrastructure for future projects.

“As part of our efforts to revitalize the Upstate economy, we cast a wide net and have successfully attracted multiple major projects from dynamic industries. While the majority of projects have come to fruition, some do not and that is an inherent risk with any business or industry.

“We are moving forward with plans for the facility and are confident that we will find a new anchor tenant in short order. ESD and local partners are already working tirelessly on potential alternatives consistent with the region’s economic development strategies and we are actively in discussions with other chip fabrication opportunities for the Marcy Nanocenter.”