IBM: I’ve Been Moved… The lasting memory of IBM’s presence in Endicott
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ITS COMMUNICATIONS
ITS COMMUNICATIONS
The lasting memory of IBM’s presence in Endicott
IBM secured its first manufacturing location in Endicott, NY, by name in 1924 but the space had previously been occupied by a technology company since 1911. Now, a century later, the choice has been made to not renew the lease, thus concluding the era of IBM’s presence in the area.
IBM is a well known acronym representing The International Business Machines Corporation, a technology company dedicated to the development of technology for overall global improvement.
The Broome county area, considered the birthplace of IBM, hosts only the memory of the hustle and bustle of the century of IBM residency. At its peak, IBM employed almost 18,000 people in the Endicott area. But before IBM settled into its location in Endicott, the building bore a few different names.
The International Time Recording Company took up residency in 1906 in Endicott, NY after founder Harlow Bundy relocated the time recorder manufacturing company there. (note: you can see the permanent exhibit: It’s About Time! The Bundy Time Clock Exhibit at Binghamton’s Bundy Museum of History and Art.)
Thomas John Watson Sr. was an American businessman who served as the chairman and CEO of IBM first becoming CEO of CTR in 1914, then renaming the company IBM a decade later. He oversaw the company's growth into an international force from 1914 to 1956. However in the late 70’s through the 80’s, many local IBM employees were transferred to other areas of the company, mainly Raleigh, NC. And little by little, years after that IBM dissolved into what is barely left today.
In addition to influencing the progression of technology globally, on the local level, IBM helped shape the direction of Binghamton University’s Engineering Program. In the early 1980s, IBM executives encouraged the transformation of Binghamton University’s School of Advanced Technology into a dedicated Engineering School. In 1983 this influence sparked the redevelopment into the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science which continued to boast that title until August 2020 when the school was renamed a college ‘to reflect the growth in faculty, students, staff and research over the past decades.’
IBM continues to sponsor student groups, projects, and scholarships to support community initiatives that correspond with IBM’s mission. Mary O’Malley-Trumble, an IBM Endicott senior location executive commits to “continue to sponsor STEM activities in the community and remain active with the Binghamton University Watson College of Engineering, and the IBM Museum of Endicott and the Endicott History and Heritage Center will continue to anchor IBM's presence in the community."
In addition to influencing the progression of technology globally, on the local level, IBM helped shape the direction of Binghamton University’s Engineering Program. In the early 1980s, IBM executives encouraged the transformation of Binghamton University’s School of Advanced Technology into a dedicated Engineering School. In 1983 this influence sparked the redevelopment into the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science which continued to boast that title until August 2020 when the school was renamed a college ‘to reflect the growth in faculty, students, staff and research over the past decades.’
IBM continues to sponsor student groups, projects, and scholarships to support community initiatives that correspond with IBM’s mission. Mary O’Malley-Trumble, an IBM Endicott senior location executive commits to “continue to sponsor STEM activities in the community and remain active with the Binghamton University Watson College of Engineering, and the IBM Museum of Endicott and the Endicott History and Heritage Center will continue to anchor IBM's presence in the community."
Binghamton University's Watson College, History of the name as it relates to IBM
MORE INFO: IBM won't renew Endicott office lease: Why the company is leaving its birthplace
