The success of a recent Orleans Career and Technical Education Center graduate in his new role at Edwards Vacuum demonstrates opportunities available during the ramp up of the semiconductor dry pump manufacturing facility in Genesee County.
Lockport native Anthony Cercone joined Edwards Vacuum earlier this year after graduating from a high school Advanced Manufacturing Engineering course in 2023.
“It’s amazing to work here. It’s really changed my life for the positive,” said Cercone, a manufacturing engineer. “I never thought I’d be this close to home and have so much opportunity.”
Edwards Vacuum, a technology leader in the semiconductor industry, will produce dry vacuum pumps used throughout the world in major chip manufacturing facilities at a new 250,000 square-foot facility at the Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP).
“We’re undergoing a massive hiring push as we ramp up production,” said Dan Papsidero, general manager. “Machine installations and prove-out activities are well underway. We are making parts, we are making a small number of pumps and that’s only going to increase in the very near future.”
Papsidero noted that Edwards currently has posted around half of the positions to be hired this year, including roles in CNC machining, assembly and test technicians, and other manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, planning and logistics.
“We will have a multitude of roles from entry level to experienced professionals that we will be hiring,” Papsidero said. “We will likely be around 100 (professionals) by the end of this year and into the next year will potentially climb to 200 or more … as demand increases this facility could max out with over 300 people, and then we could be expanding the facility in the future.”
Michael Auquier, manufacturing engineering manager, joined Edwards in 2024 as the company began construction of the manufacturing facility at STAMP and throughout the hiring and training of manufacturing engineering members. He serves as the instructor of a CNC Fundamentals course at Genesee Community College and is actively involved in growing CNC training and awareness of careers in western New York.
“This is a great place to be. I advertise to these kids that this is something that you should actually really consider, to support a family, to have a good life, and to go home happy knowing that you’ve done something to contribute,” Auquier said. “Edwards is a great launching pad for anybody who wants to get involved in the trades, or if you’re even at a mid-career level and you want to make a change, or you want to experience a different kind of culture that is really focused on your development and success.”
In Cercone’s example, the pathway for local students is clear. At the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center, Cercone achieved a gold medal at the national Skills USA competition and participated in the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program.
As Edwards Vacuum ramps production, Cercone said he is excited to apply his training from Orleans Career and Technical Education Center instructor Bill Rakonczay in a role focused on the tooling manufacturing process.
“He taught us how to use manual machines, CNC machines, how to program them, and soft skills,” Cercone said. “It allowed me to know what I wanted to do for my life, and to get already set up in my life before I even turned 18.”
To learn more about Edwards Genesee and future job opportunities, please visit the company’s careers website.