New York Construction Report staff writer
Eaton has broken ground on an $18.5 million expansion at its Orchard Park facility, a project that will add 77 to 100 skilled manufacturing jobs and increase production capacity for aerospace mission systems.
The expansion will add 50,000 square feet to the facility, consolidating shipping, receiving, warehouse and stocking operations under one roof. The new space will enable Eaton to meet growing demand from military defense, commercial aerospace and space customers.
“The expansion in Orchard Park will allow us to keep up with the military’s growing demand on key defense programs,” said Kevin McKeown, senior vice president and general manager of Mission Systems for Eaton’s Aerospace Group. “We will now expand actuation technology currently used exclusively by the U.S. Air Force to the U.S. Navy by significantly increasing our production capacity. Our investment in Orchard Park will ensure the site can serve defense, space and commercial aerospace customers well into the future.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the project reflects New York’s commitment to supporting companies that invest in Western New York and create quality manufacturing jobs. “This latest expansion by Eaton will create new, good-paying jobs and is evidence of New York’s extraordinary workforce, thriving manufacturing sector and the role both play in strengthening our economy and national security,” Hochul said.
Eaton manufactures oxygen, actuation and other mission-ready technologies for commercial aircraft, defense and space customers at the Orchard Park site, which currently employs approximately 450 people.
Empire State Development is providing up to $2 million through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit program to support the expansion. The Erie County Industrial Development Agency approved $434,348 in future property tax savings over 10 years and $875,000 in sales tax savings on project-related purchases.
Rep. Langworthy, R-N.Y., praised the expansion for increasing production capacity and creating new jobs in the region.
Construction is expected to be completed by July 2026, with additional investment in machinery and equipment to follow as the facility ramps up production.
