Governor Hochul announces $49 million expansion of Solstice Advanced Materials in Buffalo that will create new jobs and strengthen research operations

New York – New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $49 million expansion by Solstice Advanced Materials US, Inc. in Buffalo, a project that will strengthen the company’s research operations and establish the city as the center of its global research and development activities.

The investment will focus on Solstice’s existing facility on Peabody Street, where the company plans to carry out construction, renovations, and equipment upgrades to expand its research capabilities in advanced materials and chemical processes.

The project is expected to create 12 new jobs while supporting the company’s existing workforce of approximately 180 employees in Buffalo.

State officials say the expansion will strengthen Western New York’s position in advanced manufacturing and support research into materials used in several major industries, including refrigeration, energy storage, and semiconductor production.

The announcement also represents a significant investment in Buffalo’s growing technology and manufacturing sectors.

“New York continues to be a magnet for the industries of tomorrow, and Solstice’s decision to anchor its premier R&D facility right here in Buffalo proves that our economic strategy is working,” Governor Hochul said. “This $49 million investment will create good-paying jobs, foster cutting-edge research and keep New York at the forefront of the green technology revolution.”

Solstice plans to transform its Peabody Street location into its premier global research and development hub.

The expansion will involve improvements to the facility’s infrastructure and equipment, allowing researchers to strengthen their work on specialty materials and advanced chemical technologies.

These upgrades are intended to support the development of new products and processes that can be used by customers in different industries around the world.

The Buffalo operation already employs 180 people, providing an established workforce for the company’s planned expansion.

With 12 additional positions expected through the project, the investment will build on Solstice’s existing presence rather than establish an entirely new operation.

Company officials say the improvements will help researchers move new technologies from laboratory development toward practical commercial applications.

Solstice Advanced Materials US, Inc. Senior Director for R&D Ryan Hulse said the project will create opportunities for both the company and the Buffalo region.

“This investment will accelerate the innovation our customers and critical industries depend on while creating new opportunities for growth in Buffalo. By expanding our R&D capabilities here, we are strengthening our proven hub in Buffalo for advancing next-generation solutions from lab to market, where they help solve real-world challenges and support end markets that drive jobs and investment.”

The company develops materials used in industries that depend on specialized chemical products and advanced manufacturing processes.

Its research includes technologies associated with refrigeration, foam insulation, aerosols, energy storage, and semiconductor manufacturing.

These industries require materials designed for specific performance needs, making research and development an important part of the company’s operations.

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To help support the $49 million project, Empire State Development will provide Solstice with up to $1.4 million in financial assistance through the Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program.

The assistance is performance-based, meaning the company must meet applicable program requirements to receive the tax credits.

Empire State Development serves as New York’s primary economic development agency, working with businesses and communities to encourage investment, employment, and economic growth.

The agency supports projects across the state’s 10 regions and works with companies involved in emerging industries, including clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said the investment demonstrates the importance of maintaining research and manufacturing infrastructure in New York.

“Solstice Advanced Materials’ commitment to Buffalo highlights the strength of New York’s high-tech ecosystem under Governor Hochul’s leadership. By supporting strategic infrastructure and R&D enhancements like this, we are ensuring that manufacturers have the tools they need to drive global innovation and local economic growth.”

The Solstice expansion is consistent with the state’s efforts to attract companies working in advanced technologies while supporting businesses already operating in New York.

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Through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development, Empire State Development also supports efforts to prepare workers for jobs in growing industries.

Its broader responsibilities include regional economic development, small business assistance, broadband access, and tourism promotion.

The announcement received support from state and local leaders, who emphasized Buffalo’s industrial history and its potential for further growth in advanced manufacturing.

State Senator April N.M. Baskin pointed to the city’s longstanding contributions to technological development, including its role in manufacturing and the history of modern air conditioning.

“Buffalo has a long history of innovation that has reached far beyond our region, from harnessing Niagara Falls to power our manufacturing sector to the development of modern air conditioning right here in Buffalo. This $49 million investment from Solstice Advanced Materials builds on that history and will strengthen Buffalo’s role as a hub for research and development, create new jobs and help advance the next generation of materials and technologies. I’m excited to see this investment in Buffalo and in the talented people who live in our region.”

Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan also welcomed the company’s decision to expand its operations within the city.

He described the project as an opportunity to build on Buffalo’s manufacturing foundation while creating additional employment opportunities for residents.

“Buffalo has a proud manufacturing history, and investments like this help us build on that foundation to create new opportunities for our residents. Solstice’s $49 million expansion will bring new jobs to our city and make Buffalo the center of the company’s global research and development efforts. I thank Solstice for investing in Buffalo’s workforce and future, along with Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for helping make this expansion possible.”

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said the decision to locate the company’s leading research center in Buffalo reflects the region’s business environment and available workforce.

“Solstice is a worldwide company that could have expanded anywhere but chose Peabody Street to be the site of its new research and development hub, underscoring the strong business climate and excellent workforce we have here in Erie County. This investment in cutting-edge science and technology is a boost to our economic sector, and I thank Governor Hochul for her help in bringing it here.”

Solstice Advanced Materials was formed in October 2025 following its separation from Honeywell Technologies’ specialty materials business.

The company focuses on developing high-performance specialty materials for industries that require advanced chemical and manufacturing solutions.

Its products serve a wide range of applications, including refrigerants, semiconductor manufacturing, data center cooling, nuclear power, protective fibers, and healthcare packaging.

Solstice operates internationally, working with more than 3,000 customers across over 120 countries and territories.

The company employs approximately 4,100 people worldwide and maintains a portfolio of more than 5,700 patents and pending patent applications.

Its product brands include Solstice, Genetron, Aclar, Spectra, Fluka, and Hydranal.

These brands cover different areas of specialty materials and support customers operating in industries with demanding technical requirements.

The company’s work also includes developing next-generation materials intended to address environmental challenges while meeting industrial performance needs.

The planned Buffalo investment will expand the research capabilities supporting those activities.

By selecting its existing Peabody Street facility as its leading global research location, Solstice is placing an important part of its future product development operations in Western New York.

The project will combine new infrastructure, upgraded research equipment, and additional employment opportunities with the company’s established local workforce.

For Buffalo, the expansion represents another investment in its manufacturing and research economy, while giving Solstice greater capacity to develop advanced materials for customers around the world.