MARCY, N.Y. -- The Durham, N.C. company, Cree Inc., plans to build a silicon carbide wafer manufacturing facility in Marcy, and fill it with 600 engineers, scientists and other support staff. SUNY Poly, in Marcy, is ready to train that workforce.

"The conversation has already been happening. We have world class expertise in silicon carbide materials and devices at SUNY Polytechnic institute," says Dr. Grace Wang, interim president at SUNY Poly. "We are more than ready to provide the workforce for Cree and other partners."

Wang's excitement highlights her confidence that SUNY Poly can deliver the workforce Cree needs. She says the college will tailor their offerings to fit their desired skill set.

"We do not need to create new majors but we will create the modules of the skills that actually can meet the industry needs," she said.

Wang says the collaboration between SUNY Poly and Cree will provide opportunites for college students and staff to further distinguish themselves and the college.

Cree company officials say they could begin site work on Edic Road as soon as the end of this year, and have a clean room open and staffed by first half of 2021. The entire facility's planned opening date is 2022.