Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $32 million investment for a new Applied Technology Facility at SUNY Delhi. The 15,000-square-foot building will be located on the site of the university’s North Hall and is expected to open in 2030. This facility aims to support SUNY Delhi’s mechatronics program, which prepares students for careers in advanced manufacturing fields such as machining, pneumatics and hydraulics, CADD, welding instrumentation controls, robotics, 3D printing, and programmable logic controls.
“Through investments focused on workforce development in high-demand fields, we maintain New York and SUNY’s position as leaders driving economic growth and upward mobility,” Governor Hochul said. “I am proud to support crucial initiatives like SUNY Delhi’s mechatronics program to strengthen the future of advanced manufacturing in New York State. I look forward to seeing how this investment helps our students and our state flourish.”
Mechatronics combines mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and control systems. Many industries that rely on applied technology are currently facing a shortage of qualified workers. The construction of this new facility is intended to help address these shortages by training individuals who can fill positions in the Southern Tier region.
The announcement was made during a campus visit by State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr., alongside SUNY Delhi President Mary Bonderoff.
“SUNY campuses throughout New York provide an affordable, world-class education that advances upward mobility and powers the state workforce. Thanks to this investment by Governor Hochul, SUNY Delhi will further cement itself as a leader in advanced manufacturing and mechatronics while also giving students the skills to launch a career in a high-demand field,” said Chancellor King.
The SUNY Board of Trustees stated: “Thanks to the steadfast support of Governor Hochul and state leaders, SUNY institutions can prepare its students for careers in high-demand industries. We are excited to see how this investment will transform SUNY Delhi’s advanced manufacturing programs and continue to align higher education with the needs of our students, state, and economy.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight commented: “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, Empire State Development is making smart, high-impact investments designed to expand the opportunity economy to all New Yorkers. The Applied Technology Facility will help to address the needs of high-tech manufacturing industries, providing students with the skills and training necessary to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.”
SUNY Delhi President Mary Bonderoff added: “We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul, Chancellor King, and our partners at Empire State Development for their vision and leadership in making this transformational investment possible. The new Applied Technology Facility will open doors for students across New York to pursue careers in in-demand fields such as advanced manufacturing. At SUNY Delhi, we take pride in preparing students to step directly into essential, well-paying careers that strengthen our regional economy. This project is a major step forward for our campus, our community, and workforce development in the Southern Tier.”
Funding for this project includes $24 million from the SUNY Construction Fund along with $8 million from the Regional Economic Development Council Capital Fund administered by Empire State Development. These funds will cover demolition costs at North Hall as well as environmental remediation work needed before renovations begin.
Once completed, North Hall will become home not only for mechatronics but also other applied technology disciplines at SUNY Delhi. The college’s mechatronics program—SUNY’s first offering both associate’s- and bachelor’s-level degrees—will feature updated machinery used for training purposes within advanced manufacturing sectors.
Graduates from these programs have seen full job placement rates within their industry upon graduation; many quickly move into management roles after entering employment.
SUNY Delhi plans additional updates aimed at expanding access so more students can enter high-demand technical careers each year through its applied tech degree offerings.
The State University of New York (SUNY) system is recognized as one of America’s largest comprehensive higher education networks with over 95 percent of residents living within thirty miles from one or more campuses among its sixty-four colleges statewide.
SUNY serves about 1.4 million learners annually through various academic programs—including four medical schools—and manages nearly one-quarter of all academic research conducted across New York state each year.
For more information about opportunities available through SUNY or details regarding SUNY Delhi, interested parties may visit their respective websites or contact them directly by phone.
