June 7, 2025

McFarland Johnson Expands Operations with New Texas Office

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News Summary

McFarland Johnson, an engineering firm based in Binghamton, has opened a new office in Brownsville, Texas, to support infrastructure development in the region. This expansion is part of the company’s growth strategy in the southern U.S. Led by regional manager Jennifer Conway, the office will provide aviation and transportation solutions. In other news, Hidden Level in Syracuse secured $100 million in venture funding, and American High faces fines for operational permit violations.

Central New York – McFarland Johnson, a planning, engineering, and construction-services firm based in Binghamton, has expanded its operations by opening a new office in Brownsville, Texas. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth within Texas and the broader southern United States. The new office will provide a range of multi-disciplinary services, including aviation and transportation solutions, aimed at supporting infrastructure development in the region.

The Brownsville office is situated at 1175 West Price Road and is led by Jennifer Conway, the regional manager for land development. The expansion represents the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering sustainable and innovative solutions to both clients and the communities they serve. President Chad Nixon expressed enthusiasm about this development, reflecting on his personal ties to Texas and the firm’s eagerness to enhance its presence in South Texas amidst a backdrop of ongoing infrastructure investment and regional growth.

In a parallel development, Hidden Level, a startup located in Syracuse, has recently secured $100 million in venture funding as it gains momentum in the drone-detection technology industry. Founded in 2018, Hidden Level specializes in systems that detect and track drones, technology that has become critically important in military applications, especially given recent conflicts such as the one in Ukraine.

The startup has seen substantial workforce growth, increasing from 25 employees in 2021 to over 100 by April 2023. This rapid expansion aligns with plans to construct a new 20,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Additionally, Hidden Level has shifted its focus to include U.S. military contracts, supplying drone detection systems that bolster national security and protect critical infrastructure. Consideration is also being given to relocating its headquarters to Syracuse’s Inner Harbor, supported by state-approved grants and tax incentives linked to job creation.

Meanwhile, American High, a movie studio based in Liverpool, faces escalating penalties for violations related to its operational permit. The studio is being fined $1,000 per day for utilizing a diesel generator that emits fumes within a residential area, prompting local neighbors to file complaints. In response, the village’s code enforcement officer has issued cease-and-desist orders to prohibit the generator’s usage.

The generator is crucial for powering filming equipment and creating lighting effects simulating daytime conditions at night. Owner Jeremy Garelick has acknowledged the permit violation and is exploring alternative power solutions for their filming operations. The studio has a history of conflicts with local authorities, including previous issues concerning fire safety and noise complaints from its operations.

The strengthening job market in Central New York is buoyed by substantial development projects, including Micron Technology’s anticipated semiconductor fabrication plant, which is projected to create thousands of jobs in the area. This influx of investment highlights the continued economic growth in Central New York, complemented by advancements in infrastructure and local business expansions.

Overall, McFarland Johnson’s expansion into Texas, Hidden Level’s substantial funding increase and workforce growth, alongside American High’s operational challenges, illustrate a dynamic landscape in Central New York and its surrounding regions, reflecting a mixture of opportunity and challenges as they navigate a rapidly evolving economic environment.