ALBANY – Two Chautauqua County manufacturers will be able to retain and promote existing employees, and potentially expand operations, as a result of funding provided through the Workforce Development Institute, a program backed by state Sen. Catharine Young, R-C-I-Olean.

As part of the 2015-16 state budget, Young advocated for the restoration of funding that supports the mission of the Workforce Development Institute following Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposal to eliminate the program. The enacted budget restored $5 million in funding for the program. The Workforce Development Institute promotes job growth, addresses skills shortages for existing manufacturers and provides targeted assistance to workers looking to transition to new jobs following layoffs.

“The Workforce Development Institute has been an outstanding partner with area businesses, ensuring they and their employees have the skills and training needed to be leaders in their respective industries.These partnerships will go a long way toward improving Chautauqua County’s manufacturing economy and providing hardworking area residents with valuable employment opportunities,” Young said. “WDI has been instrumental in sustaining and growing our local manufacturing economy along with providing career transition services for laid off employees. I was pleased to advocate for WDI during our budget process because of all the great work they do. Their partnership with our local employers will be a boost for all involved.”

“Both Excelco/Newbrook and Jamestown Metal Products are key area manufacturers and quality employers, and both faced widely different needs to remain effective in their industries. The ability to help both companies in pursuing the needed initiatives exemplifies the flexibility of the Workforce Development Institute’s assistance. We hope to assist more manufacturers, not only in Western New York but across New York State, and would not be able to do so without the support of senators like Catharine Young,” said Michael LaBerta, the institute’s Western New York regional director.

Jamestown Metal Products, Inc. is a premier maker of painted and steel furniture and equipment. They produce steel and stainless steel cabinets, casework and fume hoods found in medical, educational, governmental and industrial applications world-wide. Jamestown Metal Producers also provide design and manufacture services to help with product conceptualization, prototyping, production and post-sale services. The institute allocations will help Jamestown Metal Products with the purchase of an updated computer server to house the Enterprise Resource Planning database, enabling the company to store greater amounts of information and improve network systems. WDI will also help Jamestown Metal Products with the testing and certification of a new line of cabinetry.

“Owing to present industry conditions, our company has recently been presented with a favorable growth opportunity within our market,” said Rick Stuczynski, Jamestown Metal Products Inc. general manager. “Our ability to react to these types of events has been enhanced, in part, by the assistance provided by WDI with respect to the upgrading of our IT capabilities. The company remains committed to providing quality products to our customers, while offering good job opportunities to the community.”

Excelco/Newbrook Inc. works on complex fabrication, manufacturing, machining and assembly projects. ENI has extensive experience welding and machining titanium for use in aerospace, undersea and commercial applications. As result of a slight downturn in business in 2014, the Workforce Development Institute is providing ENI with strategic planning support, improving internal processes and helping make operational improvements that improve productivity, increase on-time delivery and increase profitability.

“Coming into 2015, ENI was in critical need of production optimization and process improvement training (particularly Value Stream Mapping and 5S). WDI funding made this training a reality. ENI would not have been able to carry out this magnitude of training with ENI funds alone,” said P.J. Azzarella, chief financial officer for Excelco/Newbrook Inc.. “WDI’s funding will save several jobs and will afford us the opportunity to add more jobs in the near future. Thank you WDI for your support!”

Along with the funding for WDI, this year’s budget includes support for further development of the manufacturing sectors of New York state’s economy.The budget includes $5 million for the Next Generation Job Linkage Program that works with employers to identify jobs; define the needed skills; and provide the appropriate training.

For more information on the great work of WDI or to apply for funding through the program, visit www.wdiny.org.