MACNY Announces Launch of Manufacturing Research Institute of New York State

September 13, 2010

Syracuse, NY – MACNY, The Manufacturers Association today held a press event announcing the launch of the Manufacturers Research Institute of New York State (MRI).  The announcement was made amongst MACNY Board members and various state elected officials at Ultra Dairy, LLC in East Syracuse, a longtime New York State manufacturer and MACNY member. The Manufacturing Research Institute will serve as the research, policy and educational arm of the Manufacturers Alliance of New York, a statewide coalition led by MACNY. The MRI was funded through the United States Department of Labor, through an appropriations request sponsored by Senator Charles E. Schumer.

“Our state’s manufacturing sector has long needed an in-state research institute dedicated to New York State manufacturing, and through the assistance of Senator Schumer and his colleagues, I am pleased we now can lead this worthy effort,” stated Randy Wolken, MACNY President. “In an increasingly competitive national and global market, it is critical our state have a dedicated resource to collect information and research that will assist in the long term success of our state’s manufacturing community.”

MACNY Chairman of the Board Nick Marsella added, “The MRI will serve as the state’s premier research manufacturing center, specifically structured to raise awareness and a greater understanding of high tech manufacturing in New York State. This valued information and awareness will spur greater interest in manufacturing career opportunities right here in New York State. I am pleased to be part of this exciting announcement today, and thank Senator Schumer for helping this come to fruition.”

The MRI builds on the legacy of MACNY, New York State’s largest manufacturing trade association, which has been advocating for manufacturers since 1913. Specifically, the MRI will conduct research and analysis to effectively determine how best to help sustain and grow the manufacturing sector in New York State, increase public awareness of the importance of manufacturing to New York State’s economic development, and allow manufacturing companies the necessary tools and information needed to better prepare them in locating and training a skilled workforce. The MRI will be housed at MACNY headquarters in Syracuse.

As part of its launch, the MRI released and introduced its inaugural study, Twenty-First Century Manufacturing: A Foundation of New York’s Economy. The report was conducted by Robert Ward of the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government at the University of Albany.  A copy of the full report can be found by visiting the MRI’s website at www.mrinys.org.

The following State elected officials attended the launch and offered words of support for the Manufacturing Research Institute of New York State:

“A strong manufacturing base drives a strong economy and having the Manufacturing Research Institute in place will give our state and region a leg up in our efforts to restore and grow our manufacturing economy,” said Senator Darrel J. Aubertine, chair of the Senate’s Upstate Caucus and Standing Committee on Agriculture. “Here at Ultra Dairy we see the groundwork for taking raw materials and developing new flavors and products. This is what manufacturing does and it shows the value it has, like agriculture, in creating wealth by taking raw materials and creating value added products. I want to thank MACNY for its leadership in moving forward in this public-private partnership to help rebuild our manufacturing economy.”

“I am pleased to see that Central New York’s manufacturing sector is getting the attention that it needs and deserves.  I hope the efforts of the Manufacturing Research Institute of New York State will help to bring manufacturing jobs back to our state,” said Senator John A. DeFrancisco.

“It’s fitting and appropriate that MACNY serve as the home for the MRI,” said State Senator Joseph A. Griffo, “If upstate New York is to stop the hemorrhaging of manufacturing work to other states and countries, then we need to embrace strategies and initiatives to that end. The MRI can be part of that process. MACNY has earned the reputation of being the leading advocate for the manufacturing sector and for economic growth in Upstate. I commend Randy Wolken along with the staff and the Board of MACNY for their work and for Senator Schumer’s efforts in securing funding for the institute.”

“The addition of the Manufacturing Research Institute in Central New York will help re-establish the manufacturing industry in the region and in New York State,” said Senator David Valesky. “Through the MRI, we can help support businesses, stimulate the industry and in the process put New Yorkers back to work. MACNY’s leadership on this project is greatly appreciated and I look forward to its future successes.”

Assemblyman Cliff Crouch stated, “Manufacturing has long been an integral part of New York State’s economy, and we must do all we can to ensure our manufacturing sector remains competitive and thriving.  The research and education that will come from the Manufacturing Research Institute of New York State will give us the information needed to create strong business policies and a platform that will allow manufacturing to remain a fixture to our state’s economic well being.” Assemblyman Bill Magee stated, “Manufacturing has long been a critical component to our state’s economy. The information collected from the Manufacturing Research Institute will not only be helpful to the growth of our manufacturing community, but it will enable us as policy makers to create legislation that will allow for a stronger business climate in New York State. I look forward to working with both MACNY and the Manufacturing Research Institute in their continued efforts.”

“The manufacturing base of Central New York is essential to our future economic stability,” said Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli, (D-Syracuse, Geddes, Van Buren). “The Manufacturers Research Institute of New York will create a one-stop source for better figures on manufacturing policies as a whole, which will be helpful in producing better laws.”

###

The Manufacturing Research Institute of New York State is the research, policy and educational arm of the Manufacturers Alliance of New York, a statewide coalition led by The Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY). The Manufacturing Research Institute works to increase awareness about the importance and necessity of manufacturing sustainability to New York State’s future economic stability and overall quality of life.