Improvement project at Canon’s Melville HQ getting IDA assist | Long Island Business News

Canon U.S.A. plans to invest $8 million on technology improvements at its Melville headquarters with the help of the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency. 

The Suffolk IDA has preliminarily approved economic incentives to assist in the project that aims to enhance Canon’s capabilities for employees that work remotely three days a week. The company began its hybrid work model during the COVID pandemic and has continued the practice. 

The improvement project is comprised of “significant facility and infrastructure investments” that include technological upgrades to the company’s wireless systems, conference rooms and training centers in an effort to sustain operational efficiency, according to an IDA statement. 

“Canon U.S.A. has been a point of pride for Long Island since the establishment of their first offices back in 1971 and we are thankful they have called Melville their Canon Americas headquarters for more than a decade now,” Kelly Murphy, acting executive director of the Suffolk IDA, said in the statement. “This project is a perfect example of why a large part of Suffolk IDA’s mission is ensuring businesses not only come to Long Island but remain here over time. The Suffolk IDA is thrilled to do our part in ensuring a major player in Long Island’s economy keeps their facilities and employees in Suffolk County for years to come.” 

Canon U.S.A. was initially assisted by the Suffolk IDA when it moved from Lake Success to its Melville headquarters in 2013. The flagship $459 million facility sits on a 52-acre campus and is currently the largest commercial property on Long Island to achieve LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council, according to the IDA. The 696,000-square-foot building’s design features natural lighting and water-efficient plumbing fixtures that reduce consumption by 35 percent, among other features. The campus is also equipped with EV charging stations and includes a fitness center, walking paths, a cafeteria, a learning center, and other amenities. 

“Securing Canon’s steadfast presence in Melville is a testament to the Suffolk County IDA’s ongoing efforts to fortify Long Island’s reputation for being a powerhouse for technological innovation and economic prosperity,” Sarah Lansdale, chair of the Suffolk Industrial Development Agency and commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning, said in the statement. “As an employer, Canon fosters a diverse and talented workforce. Beyond the economic impact, Canon exemplifies a dedication for social responsibility by advocating for underserved communities and championing environmental conservation. The Suffolk IDA celebrates this collaboration with Canon, which reinforces our pledge to facilitate growth, provide financial incentives, and remain a dedicated partner to businesses that choose Long Island as their home.” 

Amy Newman, vice president and general manager of General Affairs & Regional Operations at Canon U.S.A., said Canon U.S.A. has called Long Island home for more than 50 years and continues to work toward strengthening Suffolk County. “We continuously strive to meet the needs of both our customers and our employees,” Newman said in the statement. “The technology upgrade project is a long-term, strategic investment with far-reaching benefits for our organization and the broader Suffolk County community, enabling our employees to continue to live and work on Long Island. We are excited to remain in Suffolk County, and we once again sincerely thank the Suffolk IDA for their assistance and continued partnership.”