Two local federal representatives are pushing for Harris Corporation to add jobs in Rochester after the merger with Exelis is completed. That deal is scheduled to close on Friday
Both companies have a strong local presence in Rochester, with Harris employing about 2100 people in its RF Communications division and Exelis around 1300 in its geospatial systems division. Harris is acquiring Exelis in a deal valued at more than $4.5 billion.
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter has written to Governor Cuomo urging him to help her with an effort to bring 100 to 200 out-of-state jobs to the greater Rochester area at Harris. Slaughter says that Harris is in the process of applying for aid through New York’s Empire State Development agency.
Senator Charles Schumer says he spoke this week with Harris CEO Bill Brown who told him he does not forsee the merger resulting in layoffs in Rochester and is willing to take up the challenge of adding jobs here. Schumer says Harris and state officials will meet at his Rochester office to talk about that.