ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Roughly 6,000 jobs. That's the estimate from Congresswoman Louise Slaughter for the number of employment opportunities when photonics manufacturing comes to Rochester. Vice President Joe Biden is expected in town Monday morning to discuss the new project.
The Rochester area recently won a three year long national competition to create the Photonics Manufacturing center. Local leaders lobbied for Rochester, citing local companies that already help put lenses in machines for commercial or military use. Supporters said integrated photonics manufacturing has the potential to enhance a number of different technologies in the medical and military fields as well as information processing speed. Representative Slaughter said this is a game changer for Rochester.
"This is a very big deal for us. I think more than anything I want to impress on you what a game changer for this economy. We've been so concerned about the loss of jobs here. The inability to raise the standard of living in this area. That we are fourth or fifth in the country below the poverty line. This is a way we can cure this and do a good job of it," said Slaughter.
Be sure to watch Time Warner Cable News on Monday morning for a complete live coverage of Vice President Biden's visit and his announcement.