In 2004, Germany-based M+W Zander, a facility construction and engineering firm specializing in services for the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries, opened a Center for Construction Trades Training at the Watervliet Arsenal near Albany. Now it plans to expand by more than 50 percent to 15,000 sq. ft. (1,394 sq. m.) by the end of 2005. And the business incubator on the arsenal was set to add 12 new companies within the span of a month this fall, bringing its roster to 20.
   The Arsenal, which has attracted a number of high-tech and manufacturing companies in addition to continuing to produce armor protection for the nation's military, was spared from BRAC closings in 2005, and in fact is slated to draw a $64-million investment from the Pentagon.
   Meanwhile, in July, further growth was announced at Albany NanoTech and University at Albany-SUNY's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE), where a new International Venture for Nanolithography (INVENT) R&D and technology development program will be funded by some $600 million in public and private money.
   "By integrating premier computer-chip makers with tool manufacturers and material suppliers, we are creating a network that will provide a tremendous opportunity for the state's more than 200 microelectronics vendors and suppliers," said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.
   That was proved a week prior, when Honeywell's Electronic Materials unit of the Specialty Materials division said it planned to invest $5 million in Albany NanoTech to increase development of computer chip manufacturing techniques at CNSE. The move will ultimately allow the company to expand its operations in Buffalo.
   "Honeywell is an example of INVENT in action," said Silver. "By taking advantage of the science and manpower of CNSE, Honeywell is able to utilize new technology and grow their Buffalo operations."