At a Glance
Client: Optimax Systems, Inc.
Project: Multi-Phase Facility Expansions
Objective: Design a scalable, high-performance flexible manufacturing environment to support growth, innovation and workforce development
Impact: Expand Optimax’s production capacity, increase productivity and efficiency, attract global partners, support job creation in Upstate NY
Capabilities Engaged
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Structural Engineering
- Cleanroom Design
- Laboratory Design
- Sustainable Design
- Production Process Optimization
- Phased Construction Strategy
Project Overview
In a world increasingly shaped by precision – from space exploration to laser surgery – Optimax Systems stands at the forefront of advanced optics manufacturing. As the company expanded its capabilities in aerospace, medical, and semiconductor industries, it needed more than just space – it needed a bold, forward-thinking environment to match its mission.
Since 2010, Optimax has partnered with SWBR to shape that future: evolving a single facility in Ontario, New York, into a world-class, high-tech manufacturing campus that powers innovation, sustainability, and workforce development.
Challenge
As Optimax scaled operations, completing a multi-phase facility expansion – while maintaining critical daily production – posed significant challenges.
- High-Precision Performance – Designing spaces with cleanroom environments and vibration control to support ultra-sensitive manufacturing processes
- Complex Manufacturing Needs – Accommodating specialized workflows in aerospace, medical, semiconductor, and defense optics
- Sustainable Solutions – Integrating energy-efficient systems, low-impact materials, and environmentally responsible design
- Phased Expansion – Executing construction in strategic phases to avoid interrupting ongoing production
- Workforce-Centric Design – Creating adaptable, collaborative spaces that support employee well-being, retention, and innovation
Approach
Together, SWBR and Optimax created a long-term vision – a future-ready manufacturing hub designed to drive operational excellence:
- Phased Growth Strategy – Developed an expansion road map that allowed construction to proceed without disrupting production
- Cleanroom Integration – Designed tightly controlled environments to support sensitive optics manufacturing with minimal contamination risk
- Sustainable Design – Implemented energy-efficient HVAC systems, natural daylighting, and environmentally responsible materials.
- Workforce-Focused Layouts – Created collaborative, flexible spaces to enhance employee productivity, comfort, and innovation.
What We Did
As Optimax expanded its operations, SWBR was entrusted with designing spaces that balanced functionality with future scalability.
- Cleanroom Engineering – Integrated cleanroom environments and automated processes to enhance quality control and efficiency
- Workforce Enhancements – Introduced break areas, flexible workspaces, and collaborative zones to support employee growth and retention
- Production Efficiency – optimized layouts and workflow to align with evolving processes and support scalable, high-volume manufacturing
The Impact
Optimax occupies a high-performance, future-ready facility that supports advanced optics manufacturing on a global scale. Each expansion has strengthened Optimax’s ability to innovate, attract international partners, and grow its presence across key industries – including aerospace, defense, and medical optics.
Together, we have built a foundation for long-term success. The new space reflects Optimax’s commitment to precision, sustainability, and workforce development, positioning the company for continued leadership in American manufacturing.