by Austin Wheelock | ooc@oswegocounty.org
Manufacturing is on the rise in Oswego County, thanks to a wave of strategic investments and expansions.
Over the past five years, Operation Oswego County, Inc. (OOC) has been involved in 28 manufacturing projects investing over $404.7 million and creating and retaining over 2,400 jobs across the county.
This momentum reflects a strong commitment by the private and public sector to industrial growth, workforce development and long-term economic vitality.
One of the recent standout projects fueling this growth is Daldrop SBB’s expansion into the region.
Daldrop SBB, a subsidiary of the Germany-based Daldrop Group, has officially broken ground on its newest cleanroom manufacturing facility within the Oswego County Industrial Park. This $7.3 million investment marks the company’s largest expansion outside of Germany in its 70-year history — signaling both confidence in the Central New York region and rising demand for its advanced SHELMEQ cleanroom systems.
The 32,000-square-foot facility, expected to be completed by 2026, will adhere to LEED construction standards and serve as a center for innovation in pharmaceutical cleanroom solutions. The project will create 20 new jobs while retaining 10 existing positions, bringing high-quality employment opportunities to local engineers, technicians and laborers.
Daldrop’s commitment to workforce development is also noteworthy.
Partnerships with Train Develop Optimize (TDO) and CiTi BOCES will provide training that supports both employee growth and industry readiness. This blend of global expertise and local collaboration reinforces Oswego County’s position as a competitive destination for high-tech manufacturing.
Also located within the industrial park, FabSite Industries is developing an 8-acre parcel into its corporate headquarters designed to support both fabrication and administrative functions. The centerpiece of the project is a 10,000-sq.-ft. industrial structure that balances utility with thoughtful design.
The facility will feature a 6,000-sq.-ft. equipment storage and service area for civil site work machinery, including excavators, bulldozers and service vehicles. A dedicated 2,400-sq.-ft. metal fabrication shop will support specialty fabrication, welding and maintenance work using mills, lathes and other modern industrial machinery.
FabSite’s expansion is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency while supporting long-term growth and project execution capabilities. This investment reflects the company’s dedication to quality, safety, and innovation.
In the city of Fulton, N.E.T. & Die, Inc. — a third-generation, family-owned CNC machine shop — is embarking on a major expansion. The company is renovating a 92,000-sq.-ft. facility on a 7.1-acre site along River Glen Drive, formerly home to a K-Mart retail location.
This new facility will become the company’s primary manufacturing hub while retaining its original location at 24 Foster St. for specialized operations. The $6 million-plus project will retain 26 jobs, create seven new full-time positions and convert three part-time apprentices to full-time roles.
Known for its expertise in custom, prototype, and low-volume production, N.E.T. & Die’s expansion builds on decades of precision work and community engagement. The move will allow the company to scale operations, take on more complex projects and reinforce its long-standing commitment to the Fulton area.
Another manufacturing company making significant strides is Design Concepts and Enterprises, LLC, located in the town of Hastings. Founded in 2007 in a 20×30 room in Syracuse, the company has grown into a global leader in suture-attaching equipment and custom suture solutions for advanced medical procedures.
The expansion includes facility improvements and the acquisition of new manufacturing equipment to meet rising global demand. Currently employing 19 full-time workers with an annual payroll of approximately $950,000, the company expects to create seven new full-time positions, adding another $250,000 in annual payroll. Design Concepts’ growth reinforces Oswego County’s reputation as a hub for advanced medical manufacturing and demonstrates the strength of local entrepreneurship scaling to meet global healthcare needs.
In just the past year, Oswego County’s manufacturing sector has continued impressive upward trajectory. Companies — ranging from global cleanroom innovators to local precision fabricators and medical device manufacturers — are investing in new facilities, cutting-edge equipment and workforce development. These strategic moves are not only creating quality jobs but also strengthening the region’s position as a destination for advance manufacturing. As more companies choose to grow in Oswego County, the message is clear: this is a community where innovation, industry and opportunity converge.
Austin M. Wheelock, certified economic developer (CEcD), is the executive director of Operation Oswego County, Inc. For more information, call 315-343-1545 or visit www.oswegocounty.org.
