REM-tronics Inc. Receives Funding Through The Workforce Development Institute

Support will help improve productivity and quality

ALBANY - REM-tronics Inc., a Chautauqua County manufacturers based out of Dunkirk, will see an increase in productivity and potential expansion of operations as a result of training assistance provided to employees through the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), a program championed by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean) in last year’s state budget. With the funding, REM-tronics employees will receive ISO 13485 training, which is an international quality system for the design and manufacture of medical devices and Six Sigma training for process improvement. Participants of the training will learn to effectively eliminate process waste and product variation, leading to greater productivity and higher quality.

WDI training assistance is state-supported through the annual state budget process. As part of the 2014-15 State Budget, Senator Young directly helped secure an additional $3 million for WDI because of the important benefits the program offers to both employers looking to expand operations and employees looking to build skill-set through on the job training.

“REM-tronics is a great local manufacturer whose products are having an impact on a global level. Providing support for businesses like REM-tronics, which are already in operation in our community, is central to our efforts to improve Chautauqua County’s economy and boost local employment. With employees gaining requisite training thanks to WDI funding, there is great potential to boost the bottom line of the company and the region, and that helps everyone succeed. Ensuring employers have a workforce made up of local residents, equipped with industry leading skills, is critical to long-term sustainability,” said Senator Catharine Young.

“Having a thriving manufacturing sector remains an integral part of our region’s economic plan and WDI is having a positive impact on our residents and businesses by keeping them at the forefront of the global economy. The skills garnered through this training will allow REM-tronics’ employees to boost their productivity and provide the company with the potential to expand and enhance operations. A highly-skilled and well-trained workforce is truly imperative to business operations and this funding will ultimately be beneficial for all involved,” Senator Young continued.

WDI Western New York Regional Director Mike LaBerta said, “The ISO and Six Sigma initiatives at Remtronics will have a direct positive impact on the current workforce and operations at the facility, and will help to increase production and foster future growth. These types of projects are exactly what WDI seeks to assist with, and we are grateful for the support of Senators like Catharine Young who see the value in the work we do and how it can benefit local employers.”

The Workforce Development Institute 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. This mission will remain a priority for Senator Young during the upcoming budget negotiations.

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.

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