BUFFALO (WKBW) — More than 1,000 technology workers will be heading to Buffalo's tallest building, M&T Bank announced Thursday morning it will bring a high-tech hub to Seneca One Tower.
Cool stuff. Here is a virtual tour inside the new @MandT_Bank technology hub at Seneca One Tower. @douglasdevdc @WKBW #Buffalo pic.twitter.com/fVKSODhOBa
— Jeff Russo (@JeffRussoWKBW) June 27, 2019
M&T says the company plans to relocate 1,000 employees to Seneca One by 2020 and more than 1,500 over the next three years after signing a long term lease for the site.
The building's owner, Doug Jemal, says the high-tech hub will pump new life into the building as redevelopment continues. Jemal stated the deal with M&T is a "dream come true" and "proudest moment."
Jemal was joined by M&T Bank leader Rene Jones, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and other leadership for a news conference at the base of the Tower.
"I started coming here and I started investing and designing the building and then I started getting to know the contractors and the community. I fell in love with this place. We are so fortunate, I am so fortunate to be part of this revitalization," remarked Jamal.
Seneca Tower owner Doug Jemal tells @JeffRussoWKBW @MandT_Bank commitment to bring business to his building is “a dream come true.” @WKBW pic.twitter.com/3VSyw4bRK1
— eileen buckley (@eileenwkbw) June 27, 2019
With more than 7,000 employees in Western New York, M&T Bank is one of the largest private-sector employers in the Buffalo region.
The bank is looking to fill more than 1,000 I.T. jobs for the tech hub, and a spokesperson with the bank said they have had some hires at this time.
M&T Bank CEO Jones says this is a "significant opportunity for Buffalo."
"Today we are living through the 4th industrial revolution and in order to complete in this new digital, data driven society, Buffalo needs not grain elevators, but it needs the next generation of talent - the next work force," declared Jones.
Jones noted this could be a "small spark" to promote more economic growth for Buffalo.
"Technology's becoming the centerpiece of almost every company's strategic advantage, and that's no different for us in banking," said Michael Wisler, M&T’s Chief Information Officer. "And we know that we've got to invest in technology, but most importantly in talent. Really great talent that can take us to the next generation of what banking brings us."
Career opportunities include software engineers, Java developers, cyber security analysts and other digital positions.
Both college graduates and those with more than five years professional experience are encouraged to apply.
And if you have more than five years experience, your salary could command more than $100,000.
M&T is working with nearby colleges and universities to try and extend 100 jobs offers to graduates each year in the coming years.
Jemal, a Washington D.C. developer, bought Seneca One Tower in 2016 for $12.5 million dollars and has spent more than $120 million in renovations to the property. M&T Bank will be the first major tenant announced for the building.
