Melville, N.Y. – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a worldwide leader in digital imaging and advanced office solutions, today broke ground on its new North and South American headquarters campus in Melville, N.Y.  The new facility will be a model for environmental stewardship and innovation and will serve as one of Canon Inc.'s three worldwide headquarters, with the others located in Tokyo and London.

"Over the past 40 years, Canon U.S.A. has developed strong roots in the Long Island community and we are thrilled to continue to make Long Island our home," said Joe Adachi, president and CEO, Canon U.S.A.  "Canon is very grateful for the support we have received from every level of government and the local community to bring this new, state-of-the-art facility from concept to reality.  We are committed to continuing our role as an active member of the Long Island business and local community and look forward to moving into our new home in Melville."

The new headquarters will also feature several environmentally friendly elements including a design emphasizing the use of natural lighting, the incorporation of energy-efficient equipment and materials in construction, as well as a landscape design that will utilize native species and drought-resistant vegetation.

"Environmental sustainability is a pillar of Canon's corporate culture," said Seymour Liebman, executive vice president, chief administrative officer and general counsel, Canon U.S.A. "We view the development of our new headquarters as an opportunity to set a precedent for environmentally conscious development throughout the design and construction process.  We are pleased to announce that the new facility is being designed to meet LEED Gold Certification Standards."

"Since the beginning of my administration, I have worked with communities to craft policies that create jobs and boost local economies," New York Governor David Paterson said. "Canon U.S.A. has more than 1,200 Long Island employees and is a major investor in the area economy. In agreeing to remain on Long Island, Canon U.S.A. will construct a new, state-of-the-art headquarters, which will not only provide long-term economic security for thousands of New Yorkers, but will also provide a great economic boost to Long Island and New York State."

"The groundbreaking of Canon U.S.A.'s Americas headquarters in Melville is truly a win-win for Long Island. This landmark project will be an anchor for the Route 110 corridor and will provide a boost to the local economy by creating thousands of jobs," said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer.  "During these tough economic times, that is outstanding news. I'm proud to have worked so hard on behalf of all Long Islanders to see this project come into fruition."

"I am proud to support Canon as it breaks ground on a new Canon Americas headquarters in Melville. This development will bring Long Island what we need most right now: jobs. Canon's new headquarters is a welcome addition to our business community and an important boost for our local economy," said Rep. Steve Israel (D – Huntington). 

"Our aggressive economic development agenda focuses on attracting and retaining businesses ranging from start-up firms to some of the world's leading technology companies," said Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy. "Having the Canon Americas headquarters of this international giant located here in the Route 110 corridor will provide a major economic boost to our area."

The Huntington Town Planning Board recently approved plans for the five-story office building, totaling close to 700,000 square feet, including two multi-level parking garages.  The 52.17-acre parcel is located at the southwest corner of the Long Island Expressway South Service Road and Walt Whitman Road. 

"Canon breaking ground on its new Canon Americas headquarters represents a major milestone in the redevelopment of the Route 110 corridor, bringing a total of 2,000 immediate and future jobs and spurring additional, related growth. We look forward to working with Canon as the construction progresses, to the eventual ribbon-cutting, when we will formally welcome the Canon employees who will call Huntington their working home," said Huntington Town Supervisor Frank P. Petrone.