BAE Systems Adds $65M Expansion to Support Aircraft Electrification in NY

BAE Systems, a global leader in aerospace technology, announced on February 19, 2025, that it is making significant strides in its commitment to sustainable aviation by investing $65 million to expand its operations in Endicott, New York. The company is adding 150,000 square feet to its existing facility to develop and manufacture cutting-edge high-voltage energy storage systems (ESS). This expansion represents a major step forward in BAE Systems’ dedication to advancing the commercial aircraft electrification market.

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “BAE Systems has been a major driver of economic growth in Broome County, and I congratulate them on their new $65 million expansion. Thanks to strategic investments from Governor Hochul and Senator Schumer, New York has become a testbed for battery storage innovation, and NYPA will continue to support firms like BAE Systems developing cutting-edge technology and spurring economic growth with low-cost power.”

The new facility will serve as a hub for ESS development, production, and field support, playing a crucial role in the evolution of electric-powered aircraft. With the global aviation industry increasingly focused on reducing its carbon footprint, energy storage systems are essential to the electrification of flight.

BAE Systems Senior Director Jim Garceau said, “This facility expansion reinforces our commitment to the Southern Tier and builds on New York State’s vision to create a regional hub for battery innovation. With this investment, we will enhance our capabilities to address the emerging needs of the next-generation hybrid/electric aircraft.”

The expanded Endicott site will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including automated high-volume manufacturing capabilities and a cutting-edge engineering laboratory. This lab will focus on testing battery cells and energy storage systems to ensure the performance and reliability needed for commercial aviation applications. Additionally, the facility will include pilot production lines for new product development and office spaces, with designated areas for comprehensive aftermarket support.

“We are building the future of power and energy management in the Greater Binghamton area,” said Ehtisham Siddiqui, vice president and general manager of Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems. “This expansion deepens our commitment to the region, while positioning us at the forefront of rising demand for aircraft electrification technology. By investing in local talent and advanced manufacturing, we are preparing to meet evolving customer needs and enabling the future of flight.”

Clean Energy Jobs are Booming in New York

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that as a result of the expansion, the company has committed to creating up to 134 good-paying jobs onsite.

“BAE Systems’ decision to further expand its business represents yet another win for New York State and for the Southern Tier, which is laser focused on becoming a global hub for next-generation battery innovation efforts,” Governor Hochul said. “Since taking office, I have remained committed to bringing jobs back to Upstate New York. This incredibly successful company chose to grow its operations here, spurring top-quality, good-paying job creation in the region because they have seen firsthand how hardworking New Yorkers are,” said Hochul.

Senator Charles Schumer said, “BAE Systems is adding 130+ good-paying jobs right here in the Southern Tier to make sure the next generation of America’s batteries are stamped ‘Made in Upstate NY.’ This $65 million expansion to add a new battery production line, research lab, and office helps show how we can bring this supply chain back from overseas, with the Southern Tier leading the way to make sure the future of battery manufacturing is manufactured in Broome County, not Beijing. BAE Systems is a vital part of the Southern Tier economy, with a world-class workforce of over 1200 people, and selecting this area for their major battery production expansion is no accident. I’m proud of the millions in federal support I’ve delivered – via the American Rescue Plan and my bipartisan CHIPS & Science Act – to the region to make it a global center for battery research and set the stage for today’s announcement. Today BAE is helping add another loop to establish this region as a core of manufacturing and innovation for America’s battery belt.”

The expansion also highlights BAE Systems’ ongoing investment in the Greater Binghamton region. With over 1,300 employees already working at the Endicott site, the company is poised to grow its workforce as the facility ramps up production. As part of this initiative, BAE Systems continues to collaborate with local industry leaders, academic institutions, and government agencies through New Energy New York to drive innovation and workforce development within the energy storage sector.

Empire State Development is committed to assisting the project with up to $8.5 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for the admirable job creation commitments. Broome County is also providing financial assistance for the project.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “With this investment in next generation battery technology at their Broome County location, BAE Systems is supporting local jobs and strengthening the state’s clean energy supply chains, ensuring New York continues to lead the way in innovation and clean tech economic opportunity. The expansion will also advance clean transportation in the aviation industry and support NYSERDA’s efforts in research, development, and demonstration of new technologies in the energy storage sector.”

Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency. The agency promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout New York. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing America’s workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development.

The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy, electric vehicles, and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, and operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn.

For more information about career opportunities, visit jobs.baesystems.com.

New Energy New York (NENY) Storage Engine Designated as Regional Innovation Engine by U.S. National Science Foundation

In a major development for the Southern Tier of New York, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has officially designated the New Energy New York (NENY) Storage Engine as a Regional Innovation Engine (NSF Engine). This milestone, announced in January 2024 by the Governor and Senator, comes as part of the bipartisan CHIPS & Science Act, spearheaded by Senator Schumer, and marks a significant investment in the future of battery technology and the domestic energy storage industry.

Anchored at Binghamton University in New York’s Southern Tier, the NENY Storage Engine is set to receive up to $15 million in federal funding for its first two years, with the potential to secure up to $160 million over the next decade. These funds will be used to establish a regional hub focused on accelerating innovation in battery technology, translating research into real-world applications, and cultivating a skilled workforce to support the growing domestic battery industry. This investment aims to bolster U.S. competitiveness in the global market, particularly in the energy storage sector.

New York State is also contributing to this project. Through Empire State Development, the state will match up to 20 percent of the federal funding for the first five years, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the initiative. The state’s support will also come through existing programs designed to foster technological advancement and job creation within the region.

The NENY Storage Engine was selected for its robust, cross-sector coalition that unites key players from academia, industry, and government. This coalition will help create an innovation ecosystem dedicated to advancing battery technology, manufacturing, and workforce development. By establishing a strong presence in the Southern Tier, NENY will play a critical role in enhancing U.S. national security and global competitiveness by building the infrastructure necessary for a sustainable and resilient domestic battery industry.

The NENY Storage Engine will also serve as a key player in addressing the nation’s energy storage needs, particularly in sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and grid modernization. With a clear focus on innovation and technological breakthroughs, NENY is poised to lead the charge in developing the next generation of energy storage solutions.

Senator Schumer has long been a champion of federal investments in the Southern Tier’s battery manufacturing and research and development sectors. In 2021, he played a pivotal role in the creation of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge as part of the American Rescue Plan, which aimed to boost regional economies by supporting innovative industries. Schumer’s efforts led to the successful selection of the Binghamton University-led NENY proposal, resulting in a $63.7 million federal investment with an additional $50 million funding match from New York State.

In 2023, Schumer secured another major win for the region by delivering the prestigious federal Tech Hub designation for the Binghamton University-led NENY initiative. These combined efforts underscore Schumer’s commitment to driving technological advancements and economic growth in the Southern Tier, positioning the area as a hub for cutting-edge battery research and manufacturing.