Statement from Senator Borrello on the Siemens Plant Closing in Wellsville

WELLSVILLE – Upon learning that the former Dresser Rand plant in Wellsville has announced a closure date of April 24, Senator George M. Borrello (57^th District) expressed concern for the employees and vowed to work on securing another manufacturer for the site.

While acknowledging that market changes and Siemens’ purchase and restructuring of Dresser Rand were factors in the sale of its government business to Curtiss-Wright and subsequent closure of the Wellsville plant, Senator Borrello also laid blame at the feet of New York’s heavy handed “tax and regulate” policies.

“New York is simply not competitive when it comes to attracting and retaining jobs. Its unfriendly business climate, high taxes, unnecessary bureaucracy and overregulation are almost always factors when companies decide to close or move manufacturing to other states,” said Senator Borrello. “Curtiss-Wright is moving its production of steam turbines to Charleston, South Carolina, where they can operate more efficiently and cost-effectively.”

“Fortunately, Siemens was able to transfer many employees from its Wellsville plant to Dresser Rand in Olean. But this closing will still impact 149 employees at the Wellsville site,” he added. “These are highly skilled, good paying jobs. Dresser-Rand and its employees have been central to Allegany County’s economy for more than 100 years.”

“In the coming weeks, I will be working with state and local economic development officials to explore opportunities for attracting another employer to this site. Allegany County has many assets including a skilled workforce, educational institutions that are strengthening its jobs pipeline and a wonderful quality of life. That work starts today.”