Endicott’s biggest employer is preparing to add to its workforce as part of a plan to enlarge its local operations.

There had been talk circulating that BAE Systems was planning an expansion at the Huron Campus for more than a year but local officials had declined to comment until a formal announcement could be made.

WIVT News 34 reported the $65 million expansion will accommodate a battery production line, lab space and additional office space. The batteries are to be used for electric and hybrid electric airplanes.

The company could receive $8.5 million in state tax credits for the project.

The Huron Campus encompasses buildings that once were part of IBM sprawling manufacturing complex in Endicott.

BAE Systems now occupies 500,000 square feet of space along North Street in Endicott and on Hayes Avenue in Endwell.

The company’s planned expansion is expected to make use of another 150,000 square feet of existing space at the Huron Campus.

BAE Systems had operated at what had been Air Force Plant 59 on Main Street in Westover for several years. But the company abandoned that site when the facility was wrecked during the flooding of September 2011.

BAE Systems shifted about 1,350 people who had been working at the Westover site to vacant space at the Huron Campus.

The company received millions of dollars in New York state tax credits as part of a deal to keep the jobs in the Binghamton area.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Flashback to the start of demolition of the former BAE Systems plant near Johnson City, New York on February 19, 2016.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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