UTICA, N.Y. -- Six months ago, a special announcement was made in the city of Utica. Danfoss Silicon Power, a company based in Denmark, had decided to expand its operations into the Mohawk Valley. SUNY Polytechnic's Quad C facility would soon house their new operation, where they would use the silicon carbide chips, created by GE, to create custom power modules. 

Since that announcement, not much has changed inside or outside the building, but Danfoss officials say that won't be the case much longer. Phase 1 had to be completed before new construction and hiring could begin.

"First set was getting the business set up, getting the announcements done, getting the contracts done and that. This is really the next set of milestones which kind of lead into the operational implementation of it," said Michael Hennessey, general manager of Danfoss Silicon Power U.S.

Starting next week, contractors will begin work to put the finishing touches on the building. Danfoss signs will soon be displayed, two new clean rooms will be assembled and adjustments will be made to the facility's utilities systems to make them more energy efficient. That construction is expected to take about six to seven months to complete. 

In the meantime, Danfoss will begin its first round of hiring. By the end of next month, about a dozen new engineers will be on staff. They will be tasked with setting up the equipment and getting the building ready for production, which they expect will begin in April or May of next year.