The latest stop on New York's "semiconductor highway" is now complete: the Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center at Monroe Community College.
The state-of-the-art facility replaces the former facility on West Henrietta Road, creating a new home for the optical systems technology program. The new center opens as the program has seen a 3,250% increase in enrollment since 2015.
The center offers automotive technician, precision tooling, heating, ventilating, air conditioning service technician and mechanic training. It also includes a new solar lab for training in fields like solar photovoltaic panel installer, solar energy installation manager and service technician.
Construction on the facility started in April 2025. The Rochester Automobile Dealers
Association made a $1 million investment in the center in February. Sydor Optics, which announced its own $32 million expansion in August, invested $3 million to rename the center in October 2025.
“Our contribution reflects our belief that no student should be denied the opportunity to pursue an education simply because they cannot afford it. We are proud to support MCC’s efforts to make educational opportunities accessible to all students and to help prepare the next generation of skilled technicians,” said Sydor Optics Chairman Jim Sydor.
The project was completed with $34.6 million in state support, including $10 million for the center’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math addition. Monroe County funded $34.8 million, with $3.5 million secured by Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Joe Morelle.
“Monroe Community College’s state-of-the-art Advanced Technology Center will deliver accelerated training programs, ensuring that students are fully equipped with the in-demand skills they need to compete in today’s dynamic and ever-changing job market,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul in a statement.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: MCC opens Sydor center to train semiconductor workforce
