New York on right path for a stronger economy
Last Friday, Alcoa celebrated along with Sen. Chuck Schumer the first pour of aluminum at the company's recently restarted East Plant in Massena. This event marks the return of 120 jobs in the north country at a time when the state is being forced to cut back. It also serves as a potent reminder that New York state is open for business.
Just in the last few months, Sen. Schumer has supported several legislative initiatives to further business development in north country communities. One example is his sponsorship of a reauthorization bill for the Federal Aviation Administration that passed the U.S. Senate in February, which if enacted, may expand Essential Air Services funding to north country airports in Massena, Watertown and Ogdensburg. This funding will directly support jobs, growth and economic development around these airports, while ensuring that residents and business travelers have continued access to the region.
Initiatives like this one will help ensure the continued success of north country operations like Alcoa's at Massena. This facility has been in operation since 1902, long before the Wright Brothers flew, or Sputnik was launched into space. Our state has benefited immensely from manufacturing operations like Alcoa's Massena facility over the years, as they create good jobs and economic growth. And, in turn, the state's vast natural resources, skilled labor and developed infrastructure make it a great place for companies — like Alcoa — to operate.
As the largest private employer north of Syracuse and with more than 1,100 employees across the state, Alcoa also appreciates the support we have received from state and community leaders. They have made New York a place where our operations can flourish, and I applaud Gov. Andrew Cuomo for making the return of jobs to New York state a key priority of his administration. His plan to create regional economic councils that streamline state-supported economic development programs will increase accountability for state investments in these programs and give local leaders more say in the distribution of funds. This initiative reflects his commitment to increasing government accountability and removing wasteful spending while maintaining essential resources.
The governor has also placed a priority on working hand-in-glove with business to generate economic growth and job creation in the state. The restart announcement of Alcoa's idled smelter in Massena, which was attended by Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy, is just one example of this kind of partnership. Working with the New York Power Authority and senior government officials, Alcoa reached a new agreement that made it possible to restart operations. Putting our smelter back to work reaffirms our more than 100-year commitment to the community and employees of Massena Operations, whose skills and experience can help us meet the rising demand for aluminum — which is expected to double by 2020.
Just as the production of aluminum is driving growth and innovation in transportation, infrastructure, consumer electronics and aerospace, the manufacturing sector as a whole is critical to expanding and sustaining economic development in New York. Partnering together, our state's businesses, government and local communities can make New York a manufacturing hub once again. Alcoa is proud of its presence in Massena — and New York as a whole — and we look forward to being a pillar of the state's economy for years to come.
Klaus Kleinfeld is the chairman and CEO of Alcoa
