Congressman says funding will help regional manufacturing associations provide resources for local firms to win in today's economy

       Today, Congressman Thomas M. Reynolds (R-Clarence) delivered $250,000 in federal funding to help provide training and increase competitiveness for Western New York manufacturers.  The federal investment, which Reynolds secured for the Rochester Tooling & Machining Association (RTMA), will also be shared and utilized by the Upstate Tooling and Manufacturing Association (UTMA), an organization comprised of more than 250 manufacturing companies in the Upstate New York region.  Reynolds has now secured $500,000 in federal investments for RTMA.      

        "I am pleased to announce this funding to help our local manufacturers retain and create jobs here Western New York," said Reynolds, who made the announcement at the Arrow Grinding Company.  "Manufacturing has always been a vital part of Western New York's economy, and with investments such as this one, manufacturing will continue to be.  UTMA and RTMA are great resources, and this funding allows them to enhance their important programs and training for local companies.  These dollars will open up opportunities for local manufacturers, helping them boost their marketability and their revenues, in turn creating more solid, quality jobs right here in Western New York."

          In collaboration with RTMA, UTMA will work to assist local firms in acquiring advanced manufacturing methods to enhance their competitive position in the industry.  By working with and advising manufacturers on a wide range of company operations, including marketing, networking, finance management and worker training, UTMA aims to maximize manufacturer resources and help lay the groundwork for future growth.     

           "In an increasingly competitive world, our local manufacturers need the resources to maintain a high-level of productivity and win in today's economy," said Reynolds.  "Our manufacturers face challenges, but they are also equipped with tremendous advantages, namely a first-class workforce and a long-held reputation of quality production.  By helping implement the best business techniques, UTMA and RTMA will help local manufacturers capitalize on these advantages and succeed in our changing 21^st-Century economy."       

           The UTMA is regarded as one of the most technologically advanced and diverse clusters of contract machining and manufacturing associations in the United States.  Currently comprised of 255 companies in Upstate New York, UTMA has assisted the launch of new products, establishing production, improving production quality and reducing overall costs for local firms.

          The Rochester Tooling and Machining Association has been the region's leading association for the tooling and machining cluster for over 60 years.  The RTMA is affiliated with the National Tooling and Machining Association, and is made up of more than 255 contract precision machining, tool, die, mold and special machining companies.

          Reynolds, who secured the funding as part of a fiscal year 2007 spending bill, made the announcement at Arrow Grinding Company, the largest precision grinding company in Western New York.  Arrow, in business for nearly 50 years, specializes in cylindrical, internal, and surface grinding.

          "Improving Western New York's economy takes a committed and sustained effort," Reynolds said.  "An important part of this effort is bringing home the funding to invest in our economy, and I believe it is my job to fight in Washington for the investments our region deserves.  I'm proud to have been able to deliver for great organizations like UTMA and RTMA, which support our local companies and help them grow, creating jobs for Western New York."