Seating Inc. Receives Assistance Through The Workforce Development Institute

Funding will help protect employees from injury

ALBANY - Seating Inc., a Livingston County furniture manufacturer based out of Nunda, has received upgrades to their equipment in an effort to protect employees from injury, as a result of funding provided through the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), a program championed by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean) in last year’s state budget. The funding was used toward improvements for production workers’ stations, including a lift device for inspection, a roll storage system, and a cutting table with roll handling capabilities.

WDI programs, including purchasing support, 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-sets through on the job training.

“Seating Inc., is a small woman-owned, family operated, manufacturer. They produce reliable commercial office seating that is made from components produced and assembled right here in North America. Supporting small businesses, like Seating, is very important as we work to encourage jobs and economic opportunity,” 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 their industry. The equipment purchased with assistance through WDI will help workers be more productive, reduce the potential for injury and allow Seating to boost its overall operations. Ensuring employees have all the necessary tools and skills to excel is imperative to a business’ operations and this funding will ultimately be beneficial for all involved,” Senator Young continued.

“One of the reasons we are growing our manufacturing operation is to create permanent, full time jobs and improve opportunities for people who work for us. WDI support has allowed Seating Inc. to upgrade production equipment - improving productivity while reducing wear and tear on our hardworking employees’ bodies. It’s a tremendous boost to our ability to succeed in a highly competitive marketplace,” said Judy Hart, President of Seating Inc.

Bob Trouskie, WDI Director of Field Services and Rochester/Genesee Regional Director, said, “Seating Inc., is the exact type of small-to-medium sized business we look to assist. They manufacture a quality product locally and employ many area residents, in fact most employees walk to the jobsite. What struck me most when meeting with the Hart Family was the human concern they had for their employees well-being, especially knowing many employees are getting older and continue to perform the strenuous physical jobs. This is just another example of how WDI has utilized funding allocated to us by the New York Senate, specifically Senator Young, to help small-and-medium sized manufactures stabilize and grow their workforce.”

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.