Office of Economic Development | Town of Islip

Islip, NY – Universal Photonics, an international maker of specialized surface preparation materials for the optical industry, will soon move and expand its company headquarters to Central Islip, bringing with them, 60 high-tech jobs with competitive salaries that could have been lost if company officials had chosen to relocate out of state. The fruition of this nearly $3.8 million expansion project in Islip Town, is one step closer with the recent approval of an Industrial Development Agency Inducement Resolution by Islip IDA Board members, marking the seventh such IDA project approved by the pro-economic development board this year.

 

Founded in 1926, Universal Photonics is currently located in Hicksville, with offices and facilities around the world. They manufacture and distribute more than 7,000 products for the optical industry, with annual sales that exceed $37 million. Universal Photonics has outgrown its present Hicksville facility and has been scouting alternative locations for its international headquarters, warehouse operations and distribution center. Company officials considered moving out of state, but opted to stay on Long Island, thanks in large part to an Islip IDA benefit package that includes abatements on property taxes, as well as exemptions from mortgage recording and sales taxes.

”Our relocation project was necessary to support our growth, and the Islip IDA made significant positive effort to provide UPI with conditions that will enable us to continue to be globally competitive while retaining jobs in New York,” explained Universal Photonics President Neil Johnson. “Their approach took the time to understand our business and consider the challenges of worldwide commerce, while creating a positive environment to help the community and UPI grow.” The company plans to invest nearly $3.8 million to purchase, refurbish and equip a 55,000 square-foot facility located at 85 Jetson Lane in Central Islip. A public hearing will take place in the coming months before final approval of the project. Renovations are expected to begin in June, with the facility open and operational in August.

“Because of our commitment to promoting economic development in Islip Town, 60 high-tech jobs have not been lost from Long Island,” noted Islip Councilman John C. Cochrane, Jr., Economic Development liaison. “Our Economic Development staff goes to great lengths to ensure that qualified companies are aware of the variety of benefits of doing business here, and has an impressive track record of helping businesses succeed in Islip. In fact, since 2012, more than 3500 jobs have been retained and nearly 350 created as a result of the efforts of Islip’s Office of Economic Development.”

Carson Optical, another company that recently received assistance from Islip’s IDA, has received final approval for the relocation and expansion of its headquarters from Hauppauge to a 50,000 square-foot facility on Fifth Avenue in Ronkonkoma. Carson Optical is a leading designer/manufacturer of optical items such as telescopes and magnifiers that can be found in stores including Wal-Mart, Walgreens and Office Depot. Carson Optical will invest more than $3 million to improve and equip their new building so they can grow their business of researching and developing optical equipment. A total of eight full-time jobs will be added as a result of the expansion, and 25 retained.

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