Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) today expressed his disappointment in New York Air Brake’s relocation of dozens of jobs from its Watertown facility to the company’s Salisbury, North Carolina location. The transition, which will cost 40 local employees their positions, will primarily impact line workers and manufacturing supervisors, and represents another example of the continued consequences of New York State’s harsh business climate.

The move, cited by company representatives as part of its attempt to gain a better cost structure, will allow New York Air Brake to pay lower wages for the relocated positions in North Carolina. The organization, which employs upwards of 450 workers, will provide access to programs and transitional plans for employees who lose their jobs, and will meet with the International Association of Machinists to discuss providing severance pay and additional benefits to union employees as well.

Blankenbush, a longtime proponent of supporting New York State’s businesses, has opposed several measures, including the $15 minimum wage and the Family Leave Act, in an effort to protect local jobs and encourage companies to continue to invest in the Empire State.

“New York State, with its harsh regulatory burdens, has routinely ranked among the lowest in the nation in business climate studies, and unfortunately, our local residents are the ones suffering the consequences today,” said Blankenbush. “Moving forward, I will remain committed to repealing the mandates, taxes and regulations that hamstring our businesses, as well as supporting legislation to establish New York State as an attractive business destination in an effort to prevent this type of unfortunate situation.”

New York Air Brake will begin its transition in November, and is expected to complete the move by March of next year. The company plans to retain its Watertown facility, which is currently its only location which designs, manufactures and tests freight car brakes.