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Essex Junction Today
By the People, for the People
IBM Begins Operations in Essex Junction, Vermont
The tech giant's arrival in 1957 marked a major economic milestone for the state.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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On February 25, 1957, IBM officially opened its operations in Essex Junction, Vermont, becoming the state's largest private employer. The IBM campus would eventually grow to over 700 acres and employ more than 8,500 people at its peak, playing a key role in ushering in modern computer technology. The plant was operated by IBM until 2015, when it was sold to GlobalFoundries.
Why it matters
IBM's arrival in Vermont represented a significant economic boost for the state, providing thousands of high-paying jobs and establishing the region as a hub for technological innovation. The company's presence helped transform Essex Junction and the surrounding area, attracting additional businesses and investment.
The details
IBM chose Essex Junction as the site for its new operations, which would grow to become the company's largest campus. The plant played a crucial role in the development and manufacturing of IBM's pioneering computer systems, contributing to the company's global dominance in the technology industry.
- IBM officially began operations in Essex Junction on February 25, 1957.
- The IBM campus in Essex Junction grew to over 700 acres at its peak.
- The plant employed over 8,500 people at its maximum workforce.
- IBM operated the Essex Junction plant until 2015, when it was sold to GlobalFoundries.
The players
IBM
An American multinational technology and consulting company that was a pioneer in the computer industry, establishing a major presence in Essex Junction, Vermont.
GlobalFoundries
A semiconductor manufacturer that acquired the IBM plant in Essex Junction in 2015, continuing the site's legacy as a hub for technological innovation.
The takeaway
IBM's decision to establish its operations in Essex Junction, Vermont, in 1957 was a transformative moment for the state, providing thousands of high-paying jobs and cementing the region's reputation as a center for technological advancement. The company's legacy continues to shape the local economy and community, even after the plant's sale to GlobalFoundries in 2015.
