CooperVision's global packaging and distribution facility in West Henrietta, N.Y. 
ALBANY, N.Y.—CooperVision will expand operations at two separate locations in New York state’s Monroe County, Governor Kathy Hochul announced earlier this week. The moves will create up to 173 new jobs, the governor noted. CooperVision said it will invest more than $38 million to significantly renovate its current facility and expand, by 150,000 square feet, its packaging and distribution facility in West Henrietta, N.Y. The expansion comes amid an increase in global demand for its contact lenses and a growing product portfolio, the company said.

The company also will complete a $24 million renovation of its manufacturing operations in Scottsville, N.Y., to better accommodate current and future product growth, the announcement noted. The West Henrietta project will be completed by the summer of 2023. The updated manufacturing facility also is expected to be operational by the end of 2023.

“Our West Henrietta site is one of the most technologically advanced distribution centers of its kind,” CooperVision president Jerry Warner said. “Every day, our team—aided by innovations such as autonomous mobile robots and heads-up wearable displays—packages, stores and ships millions of contact lenses to eyecare professionals and consumers in multiple countries. The investment in additional packaging capabilities, storage technology and upgraded warehouse management solutions enhances our industry-leading customer service reputation.”

He added, “Embracing and implementing sophisticated technologies is also essential for our Scottsville contact lens manufacturing facility, which is a jewel in our global network of production sites. We are excited by the opportunity to continue our technology and employee investment in the Finger Lakes region [of New York state].”

The West Henrietta center processes and ships nearly 1 billion contact lenses each year to customers in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific markets, according to the announcement. CooperVision also plans to seek Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification as part of the expansion. Currently, all the company's facilities across the Greater Rochester region are powered by 100 percent renewable energy.

Governor Hochul noted that CooperVision has “long been an important economic driver for Monroe County and the surrounding communities by providing quality jobs for hard-working New Yorkers.”

She added, “By supporting the company's investments in the Finger Lakes, we continue to demonstrate New York's steadfast commitment to fostering the growth of innovative businesses that will help move the Finger Lakes forward for generations to come.”

CooperVision’s workforce in New York includes more than 1,000 employees at its corporate offices in Victor, Ontario County, at the manufacturing facility in Scottsville and the packaging and distribution center in West Henrietta. CooperVision employs more than 12,000 people worldwide.