Schumer, Clinton Push to Keep Over 2,000 Jobs at CNY's New Process Gear After Parent Company Announced It Is Considering Plant Closure

August 8, 2008

In Personal Calls to Magna CEOs, Schumer and Clinton Push for a Commitment to Keep All Jobs in Central New York

Schumer and Clinton Have Secured Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars for Training New and Existing Workers at Facility; Schumer Pushed Army to Consider Technology Developed by Magna Power Train to Build Safer Vehicles for Troops

Schumer, Clinton: We Must F

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced their push to secure the over 2,000 jobs at Central New York’s New Process Gear after Magna International, Inc, its parent company, announced that it is considering closing the plant. The plant employs 2,050 people and makes transmission parts for four-wheel and all-wheel drive trucks and sport utility vehicles.

In a push to retain jobs and protect the economic vitality of Central New York, Schumer personally called Magna CEO Don Walker and Clinton personally called Magna Chairman of the Board Frank Stronach to express their concern and disappointment in the announcement and urge them to make a commitment to keep operations in Central New York. In their calls, Schumer and Clinton noted their commitment to boosting the facilities growth over the years.

“Magna International should do everything they can to keep these vital jobs in Central New York. We have done much to help them grow and develop in Central New York, and I will fight tooth and nail to make sure they stay here,” Schumer said. “The bottom line is that we must fight to keep every job we have in Central New York.”

“The New Process Gear plant has been a mainstay in the Syracuse community for years, contributing not only to the growth of the region but to its identity,” said Senator Clinton. “At a time when hardworking Americans are feeling the pressure of a slumping economy and struggling to cope with a housing crisis and skyrocketing energy costs, we need to be working together to find innovative ways to keep jobs here in the United States. We have gone to great lengths to help Magna find a home in New York, and it is my sincere hope that they recognize that they already have a first-class workforce that is determined and prepared to build a successful future here in Central New York.

Magna International announced yesterday they were considering closing its Syracuse New Process Gear plant. The move would result in a loss of up to 2,050 jobs.

Schumer and Clinton have long worked to retain jobs and boost production and growth of Magna’s Central New York plant.

Earlier this year, Schumer met with representatives from the United Auto Workers and Metropolitan Development Association (MDA) and Magna executives to discuss a corporate reorganization and government support intended to keep the plant operational.

In an effort to attract new research and development, and new contracts to Magna, Senator Schumer called on the Army last year to conduct a new comprehensive study to evaluate the effectiveness of a new system, developed by the Magna Power Train Corporation located in East Syracuse, which would prevent up-armored HUMVEES from flipping over.

Schumer and Clinton have also secured thousands of federal dollars over the years to economically boost the plant and its employees. This year Schumer gained approval by the Senate Appropriations Committee for $450,000 for the UAW of Central New York. UAW Region 9 Training Initiative would use the funds to support the employee skills component of a $438 million project to transform the Magna Powertrain manufacturing facility in Syracuse into a Center for Advanced Automotive Manufacturing and Engineering. ETA funds will be utilized specifically for best in class advanced manufacturing training and skills development and updating and modernizing workplace and workforce development systems – including Skilled Trades Consolidation and Apprentice Training.

Last year, Schumer and Clinton helped secure nearly $300,000 for UAW in the FY2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill to help implement their Region 9 Training Initiative to educate and train existing employees in new technologies.

In February, senior members of Senator Clinton’s staff joined with Representatives McHugh, Walsh, and Arcuri in Washington, D.C. to meet with leadership from the United Auto Workers Local 624, the Metropolitan Development Association (MDA), and Magna executives. The delegation discussed the future of the plant and its employees, and plans for keeping the facility viable moving forward.

Citing their efforts to help the company’s growth and development, Schumer personally called Magna CEO Don Walker and Clinton personally called Magna Chairman of the Board Frank Stronach and urged them to commit to keeping operations in Central New York. Schumer noted that Central New York has long worked to boost the plant in Central New York and it must continue to do so.

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way and we must find a way to keep these jobs in Central New York,” Schumer said.

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