ALBANY – Following Dresser-Rand’s decision in February to close its Wellsville facility, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has written to Lisa Davis of Dresser-Rand urging the company to reconsider.
Cuomo said the loss of 250 jobs at the facility will have a negative impact on the families and the community.
“I am deeply disappointed by your decision to close the former Dresser-Rand facility in Wellsville, New York. Your action will result in the loss of jobs for 250 highly skilled men and women in Western New York and the Southern Tier – areas of the state that absolutely cannot afford to absorb such a loss. I urge you to reconsider this reckless move and explore all options to keep the facility open,” Cuomo wrote.
He went on to say the state has worked hard to help keep dresser rand in the region.
“The State has provided significant economic support to Dresser-Rand Co. through multiple economic development grants, including a $500,000 grant to build a new 5,000 SF facility in Olean, New York in 2012. These investments have played a key role in Dresser-Rand Co.’s success and contributed to the economic growth of the entire region” he wrote.
“Dresser-Rand Co. has a storied history in the State of New York, and it is a shame to see the company turn its back on New Yorkers in this manner,” Cuomo wrote.
“The workers at this facility are highly specialized and trained with wide-ranging titles, job duties, and skill sets. The jobs at the Wellsville facility are critical to the economy of the region, and closing this plant would be devastating to the employees, their families, and the communities throughout Western New York and the Southern Tier.,” the letter said.
Cumo went on to say “the closure of the Wellsville facility is an extreme and unnecessary measure that will upend the lives of New Yorkers and threaten the economic progress we have made in the area. New York State has a great deal of experience assisting businesses at risk of closure by facilitating a productive dialogue with regional stakeholders, local and state government, and labor organizations. I am confident that we can develop a plan that will be beneficial to both your company and the hard-working men and women at the Wellsville location.”
The plant is expected to close in 2020. Approximately 250 workers will lose their jobs.