Marquardt of Cazenovia Expands into the Drone Industry
One year after celebrating its 40th anniversary in Central New York, Marquardt is soaring into new territory. The local contract manufacturer and global technology supplier has entered into the drones industry, bringing new manufacturing business to Cazenovia.
Central New York has the potential to be the ‘Silicon Valley’ of drone technology.
Marquardt actively supports GENIUS NY, a $3 million business accelerator competition focusing on uncrewed systems, robotics, and big data startups. Offering manufacturing expertise, Marquardt provides access to its 115,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility for competition participants. In a recent collaboration, Marquardt partnered with the 2021 GENIUS NY grand prizewinner, Airtonomy, a drone data management company.
To continue supporting new business opportunities, along with its other current projects, Marquardt is actively hiring for several positions, including Engineers, Production Associates, and Business Development roles.
“We’re looking to hire people who are passionate, innovative, and want to be involved with shaping the future of drone technology and high-tech manufacturing in Central New York,” said Steve Maloney, Director of Human Resources at Marquardt.
Marquardt has earned a reputation as a leading manufacturer of complex systems in the automotive, off-road, and home industries, partnering with top corporations such as Ford Motor Company, General Motors, John Deere, and Stanley Black & Decker – just to name a few. The company makes a wide range of products and solutions, including wireless communication systems, electronic components, and e-mobility technology.
The Future Technology of Drones in CNY
Marquardt is consistently evolving and is not afraid to pursue business opportunities outside of its traditional scope of electrical switches. The sky is the limit, and Marquardt sees a big future in drone technology.
Over the past five years, New York State has made substantial investments in creating a 50-mile Uncrewed Autonomous Systems Corridor and Advanced Air Mobility Proving Grounds. This became commonly known as the ‘Drone Corridor,’ located between Syracuse and Griffiss International Airport in Rome. This corridor is managed by NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc).
Marquardt’s facility, located on Route 20, is just a short drive from this giant testing range. “Central New York has the potential to be the ‘Silicon Valley’ of drone technology. As these new drone start-ups look to build their businesses in our area, Marquardt’s goal is to help them launch products with a precise blueprint for success,” explained Chris Berry, Business Development Manager.
Building local partnerships through contract manufacturing
Marquardt offers product development support, product-testing, assembly, testing equipment realization, injection molding, electronic production, assembly production, and lifecycle/supply chain support. In addition, a full staff of passionate design, validation, and industrial engineering staff, as well as equipment maintenance technicians.
“Marquardt treats its partners as true extensions of itself, willingly sharing knowledge, expertise and resources – serving to help these companies bridge the gaps in their manufacturing processes,” Berry said.
In addition to local partnerships, Marquardt has extended its outreach to drone companies on a national level. Marquardt recently participated in AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2022, an annual conference held in Orlando, Florida. This event draws industry leaders and top minds in the unmanned aerial system sector. At the event, Marquardt established numerous new connections. We are optimistic about the possibility of attracting these companies to the Central New York area in the near future.
