PGM Receives Training Grant and Help with Hiring

Precision Grinding and Manufacturing Corp. has successfully attracted a major grant with the help of RochesterWorks! Now the manufacturer is tapping into other resources.

"We have worked with RochesterWorks! to educate us on grants," says Michael Hockenberger, CEO and president of PGM, a worldwide leader in contract manufacturing of machined and fabricated components and assemblies.

PGM recently received a Monroe County 25-L BUSINYS grant for $49,586 to train employees in Lean Manufacturing and Process Excellence.

The money will help train some of its 110 local employees. The company also has 66 employees at its Manchester, NH facility.

Robert Flanagan, Manager of Engineering at PGM was integral in writing the grant.

Claudia Gately , RochesterWorks! Business Services Manager has been working closely with the company for more than a year.

"We provided technical assistance on how to navigate through available local and state grants, and assessed PGM's needs to identify the grant that would be most beneficial to them."

In spring 2004 Gately started working with Hockenberger when they met to discuss training options. Also present at that meeting was Doug Cauwels, PGM's Human Resource Director, Connie Felder RochesterWorks! Director of Career Center Operations, and the City of Rochester Economic Development Team.

Hockenberger also sits on the Workforce Investment Board.

PGM has recently started using RochesterWorks! to help find employees.

"We are currently assisting them in identifying new talent for their upcoming staffing needs," Gately says.

"We were also very excited to feature them as our November Employer of the Month ," a feature that helps drive job seekers to area businesses that are growing and have career opportunities.

For more information on taking advantage of free services that can assist your business in training, recruiting, access to labor data and other needs, contact Claudia Gately , 258-3541.