Chautauqua County Manufacturers Receive A Boost Through Workforce Development Institute

Funding will help Water Street Brass and Stuart Tool & Die improve operations

Two Chautauqua County manufacturers will see an increase in productivity and potential expansion of operations as a result of training assistance provided through the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), a program championed by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean) in last year’s state budget. Water Street Brass Corporation, of Lakewood, and Stuart Tool & Die, of Falconer, were both recently approved by WDI to send employees to training that will help both manufacturers improve efficiency and operations.

WDI training programs are state-supported through the annual state budget process. Last year, because of Senator Young’s direct efforts, there was an additional $3 million provided to WDI to help expand the program and provide employees with greater on the job training.

“This is great news for Chautauqua County and our continuing efforts to boost the local economy. Water Street Brass and Stuart Tool & Die are both outstanding local employers that are not only keeping the manufacturing sector alive but have been investing in our community as they grow their operations. These training programs have the potential to boost the economic impact of each company by growing and improving the skills of their workforce and making them more appealing when competing in the global economy,” said Senator Catharine Young (R,I,C- Olean).

“Manufacturing remains an integral part of our region’s economy and organizations such as WDI are having a positive impact on our residents and businesses by keeping them at the forefront of the market. Additionally, the increased skills obtained through this training will allow employees to boost productivity and provide employers with ideas about how they can enhance operations. Having a skilled and well trained workforce is truly imperative to business operations and this funding will ultimately be beneficial for all involved,” Senator Young continued.

The training at Water Street Brass will support efforts to help existing employees improve operational efficiencies, which will result in a significant increase in business. The company plans to use the WDI training to help update procedures and processes as well as identify the appropriate IT requirements needed to manage and support existing and new business over the short and long term.

At Stuart Tool & Die, WDI training will help solidify current business within the company’s aerospace market as well as drive efforts for growth in this key market segment. Specifically, WDI will be funding ISO 9001 and AS9100 Internal Auditor training, a “best practices” certification that is increasingly in demand by the company’s aerospace clientele.

WDI Western New York Regional Director Mike LaBerta said, “Stuart Tool and Die and Water Street Brass are both smaller sized manufacturers in terms of workforce, but have a significant impact both outside and within the Southern Tier region. Both companies expressed needs for their existing employees, and these initiatives align with what the Workforce Development Institute seeks to assist with. The ability for WDI to assist with funding for these types of programs has been extremely well received by businesses and manufacturers across the state, and the work we do would not be possible without the support of Senators like Catharine Young.”

Matthew Churchill, Founder of Water Street Brass, said, “WDI has helped us to provide continuing education to our growing staff that has led to increased efficiencies and the ability to better compete against foreign competition. It also allows us to promote from within and continue to deliver an outstanding experience for our customers as we grow. Mike and his team have been great to work with.”

P.J. Degnan, Vice-President and Owner of Stuart Tool & Die said, “Through support from the WDI, AS9100 internal audit training was made available to four of our staff members. Without a doubt this will help us to retain our certification in future external audits, which is important to current and future customers. At the same time it will improve our quality system, making us a stronger, more efficient company.”

Water Street Brass, located in Lakewood, is a leader in manufacturing high end decorative hardware. As part of their operations, the company offers an innovative line of cabinet pulls, door knobs, and other decorative items for the home. The company recently expanded into a new 16,000 square foot facility and WDI-funded training will assist them in focusing on new product development.

Stuart Tool & Die, of Falconer, was founded in 1989 and currently employs approximately 30 area residents. The company primarily specializes in CNC milling, turning, grinding, and electrical discharge machining. However, they also provide various additional services including design, prototype, testing, and welding.

WDI is a non-profit organization that works with employers across the state to provide focused training and support that helps employees achieve professional and career growth right here in New York State. WDI is able to quickly and efficiently work with employers in need of assistance for training programs, equipment purchases, and other support services vital to growing and retaining valuable jobs. In addition, WDI strives to develop alternatives that will prevent jobs from moving out-of-state, as well as providing transition support services for those workers who have lost jobs.

“By continuing to improve skills and refine their operations, Water Street Brass and Stuart Tool & Die are preparing to excel in a growing global economy. This increased skill-set will ultimately lead to growth for both manufactures and our entire local economy. I’m tremendously proud to offer my continued support to both organizations,” concluded Senator Young.

WDI has also been instrumental in supporting manufacturing jobs and career transition services for laid off employees throughout the state. With Senator Young’s support, a total of $7 million of funding was secured in last year’s State Budget to support the mission and work of WDI in creating new job opportunities and increasing the competitiveness of local businesses.

For more information on the great work of WDI, please visit: www.wdiny.org.