According to Buffalo Business First, the Heidenhain Corp., an Illinois-based optics and electronics business with location at 1 Precision Way in the Mason Industrial Park in the town of Ellicott, is moving operations to Illinois and Austria.

The company filed a notice with the New York State Department of Labor saying the departure and subsequent layoffs will take place Oct. 1.

It’s the second small manufacturing operation in the Industrial Park to announce its departure in less than a year, with MD Electronics – also located on Precision Way – saying last September it was moving business to Mexico, resulting in 87 local workers being laid off.

As part of the 2014-15 State Budget, Senator Cathy Young (R-Olean) worked with other state lawmakers in securing an additional $3 million for WDI programs, bringing the total amount of funding the agency receives to $7 million. She is also working with other lawmakers to ensure the same amount will be included in the 2015-16 budget.

According to Senator Young’s office, the local businesses that will receive assistance from WDI include:

• MD Electronics, in Jamestown, received WDI funding to provide workers with training that will streamline processes, improve product yields, improve machine availability and utilization while also reducing costs. With this efficiency training, MD Electronics will be able to promote employees and continue growing in international markets.
• Ring Precision Components, also in Jamestown, received WDI training funds that will enable facility management and front-line plant supervision teams to be more effective in workforce management. Supervisors will be better communicators, and will be more skilled at time management, problem solving, stress management and decision-making. This will all lead to job growth and improved employee retention.
• Ulrich Planfiling Equipment Corporation, located in Lakewood, received funding from WDI that will help Ulrich test different resource management software, promoting business growth. Upgrading resource management software will also enable the company to better serve its customers by offering flexibility when orders require changes.
• Universal Tooling Corporation of Gerry was able to upgrade production software with funding assistance from WDI. The upgraded software will allow newly promoted employees trained to use the software to better communicate with customers and increase efficiency of the product design process, improving product quality. This will help grow Universal’s business as well as job promotion and growth.

“Job training services are essential to building a strong and capable workforce, as well as a prosperous economy. The Workforce Development Institute has been an outstanding partner with area businesses, ensuring they and their employees have the skills and training they need to be at the forefront of their industry. These new partnerships will go a long way toward improving Western New York’s manufacturing economy and providing hardworking New Yorkers with valuable opportunities,” said Senator Young.

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. More information can be found at www.wdiny.org.