2026 Will Be a New Era of Manufacturing Growth in Central New York and Beyond
Randy Wolken, President & CEO
As we look toward 2026, optimism is building across Central New York and the broader region, not just about economic recovery but about the tangible, transformative investments now underway in manufacturing and workforce development. From semiconductor megaprojects to food production expansions and state‑supported infrastructure readiness, the stage is being set for a revitalized manufacturing economy that will create jobs, strengthen communities, and attract talent for decades to come.
At the heart of Central New York’s resurgence is Micron Technology’s monumental commitment. Micron plans to invest up to $100 billion in new semiconductor megafabs near Syracuse. This project—one of the largest industrial investments in U.S. history—is expected to include multiple fabrication facilities while anchoring a new advanced manufacturing ecosystem. This investment isn’t just about buildings; it’s about careers, thousands of high‑skilled, high‑paying jobs that will support families and build community prosperity.
Investments like Micron’s help flip the narrative in areas that have long struggled with job loss and population stagnation. This is a moment not only to bring back manufacturing jobs but to also redefine what American manufacturing looks like in the 21st century, blending state‑of‑the‑art technology with strong community engagement, training pathways, and long‑term job growth. However, semiconductor manufacturing is just one example of how 2026 promises to be a breakthrough year.
Across upstate New York, innovative companies are planting new roots or expanding existing operations. In Oneida County, Chobani is building a new 1.4-million‑square‑foot dairy processing facility with an investment of over $1.2 billion, the largest capital investment the company has ever made. This expansion will create more than 1,000 good‑paying jobs and double Chobani’s workforce in New York.
In addition to the headline‑grabbing expansions by Micron and Chobani, other manufacturers are making meaningful investments across Central New York. TTM Technologies is moving forward with its $130 million advanced manufacturing facility in DeWitt, adding approximately 400 new jobs and expanding production of high‑tech circuit boards for defense and critical electronics applications. Over the summer, Byrne, Inc. broke ground on their $120 million expansion in Cortlandville that will significantly increase processing capacity and employment. At the same time, Cayuga Milk Ingredients recently completed a significant expansion in Aurelius that added new jobs and strengthened Central New York’s position in value‑added dairy and beverage production. These are just a few of the many planned and scheduled expansions in our community.
None of this happens by accident. Public-private sector collaboration has been instrumental in creating the conditions for manufacturing to flourish. New York state’s FAST NY program has awarded tens of millions of dollars in grants to prepare them to be “shovel‑ready” for new facility construction. With additional funding secured in the FY 2026 budget, more sites are being upgraded for heavy‑industry use, attracting high‑tech companies and diversifying the state’s economic base.
Workforce development efforts are growing in tandem with these investments. Programs like MACNY’s Manufacturers Intermediary Apprenticeship Program (MIAP) and pre-apprenticeship programs, such as Real Life Rosies® and Advance 2 Apprenticeship®, expand opportunities for women and others in advanced manufacturing. This ensures that residents—including adults entering new careers—have access to the skills needed for high‑quality jobs. Sustained support for these programs helps create a talent pipeline that employers need and workers deserve.
The impact of all these investments will ripple through everyday life. New manufacturing jobs, from semiconductor engineering roles to highly skilled assembly technicians and logistics support, will help draw new residents to upstate communities and retain local talent who once felt they had to leave to find opportunity. Local businesses and service industries will benefit from increased spending. Schools and training programs will see new partnerships, internships, and apprenticeships flourish. What’s more, manufacturing’s expansion is helping reshape our region’s identity. It’s inspiring a new generation to see manufacturing not as a relic of the past but as a vibrant, forward‑looking sector where innovation and ingenuity meet real economic impact.
2026 is shaping up not just as another year, but as a defining chapter in upstate New York’s economic story. With visionary projects, supportive public policy, and a growing workforce ready to rise to the challenge, manufacturing investment is transforming communities and unlocking potential at every level. This new era brings hope, opportunity, and the promise of growth, not just for hardworking families in upstate New York, but for the broader region as it continues to lead, innovate, and thrive.
We at MACNY wish you a happy and prosperous New Year!