Governor Paterson Announces Groundbreaking of Canon USA Headquarters in Melville, New York

ALBANY, NY (05/03/2010)(readMedia)-- Governor David A. Paterson was joined today by Canon Chairman and CEO Fujio Mitarai at the Canon U.S.A. groundbreaking for their new North American headquarters in Melville, a location that will become the center of operations for one of the largest electronics and imaging manufacturers in the world. Canon's center of operations on Long Island will create or retain more than 2,000 New York jobs over the next several years. The Governor was joined by State and local elected officials to make the announcement today at the site of the future Canon U.S.A. facility.

"I am pleased to return to Long Island for the second major milestone of this project. Both the construction of the new headquarters and the work that will take place here are certain to have a deep and lasting positive impact on the regional economy," Governor Paterson said. "Continuing this partnership with Canon is a perfect example of New York investing in companies at the forefront of their industry, as well as leaders in technology and innovation that hold promise for the future."

Canon U.S.A. Executive Vice President Seymour Liebman said: "We are very appreciative of the tremendous help we have received from Governor Paterson and Empire State Development as their support was a major factor enabling us to move forward with the construction of our new headquarters facility on Long Island."

A leading provider of consumer, business-to-business and industrial digital imaging solutions, Canon U.S.A. currently employs approximately 1,200 people in its Lake Success facility and expects to employ approximately 2,000 within 10 years at its new headquarters in Melville. The Long Island Association estimates that Canon's presence could increase Long Island's gross regional domestic product by $1.3 billion dollars and create up to 10,000 associated jobs locally. The $636 million headquarters facility will be built to satisfy LEED green building standards, and is due to be operational by summer 2012.

Senator Charles Schumer said: "The groundbreaking of Canon USA's American headquarters in Melville is truly a win-win-win for Long Island. Not only will this landmark project be an anchor for the Rt-110 corridor, it will create thousands of jobs, and will provide a boost to the local economy, and during these tough economic times, that is outstanding news. I'm proud to have worked with Governor Paterson and local officials to see this important Long Island project come fruition."

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: "Today's groundbreaking is a great step for Suffolk County. This project has the ability to create thousands of good-paying jobs and contribute hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy. I will continue working with local leaders and businesses to create more public-private investments like this one throughout Long Island."

Congressman Steve Israel said: "I am proud to support Canon as they break ground on their new Canon America Headquarters in Melville. This development will bring Long Island what we need most right now: jobs. Canon's new headquarters is a welcome addition to our business community and an important boost for our local economy."

Senator Carl L. Marcellino said: "It is important in these economic times to invest in sustaining and promoting economic growth on Long Island. As we continue to embark on this mission, we need outstanding companies such as Canon to lead the way. Retaining and creating high quality jobs is vital to our continued growth, and Canon is playing a major role in fueling the economic expansion of Long Island and New York State."

Assemblyman James D. Conte said: "Creating and preserving good-paying local jobs is the key to a successful economic recovery, and I am pleased that State and local officials went above and beyond to keep one of the biggest electronics and imaging manufacturers in the world on Long Island. Today's groundbreaking ceremony is an important step at strengthening and diversifying Long Island's economy and is a move that will help propel the region out of the current economic downturn."

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy said: "This day is a milestone for economic development here in Suffolk County. It was a long time coming, but the job retention, job creation and multiplier effect Canon will have on the economy will be well worth all of the efforts."

Dennis M. Mullen, Chairman and CEO designate of Empire State Development, said: "We are thrilled that Canon is breaking ground on this important project. By building this state-of-the-art facility in Long Island, Canon will be able to capitalize on New York's diverse and qualified workforce and world-class infrastructure, as it further expands the high tech economy that has taken root in Long Island and elsewhere across the State."

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2009, with global revenues of US $35 billion, is listed as number four in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies 2009 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of "100 Best Global Brands." Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives.

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