GREENE, N.Y. -- From the trains at Alstom, to Corning’s diesel or forklifts made at Raymond Corporation in Greene, advanced manufacturing is driving the Southern Tier’s economy and putting America in motion.

"The Southern Tier, actually, of all the districts, of all the regions in New York State, has the highest reliance, or strongest strength, in manufacturing,” REDC Co-Chair Harvey Stenger said. 

There's particular strength in the region's transportation cluster. All but one of the eight counties in the Southern Tier region has at least one multi-national manufacturer of transportation equipment. 

“It’s a core focus for us," Raymond Corporation CEO Mike Field said. "It really is the strength to keep people working.”

Field is part of the team drafting the Southern Tier’s upstate revitalization proposal. A focus of that proposal is growing the manufacturing base, from the anchor companies like Raymond on down.

“It’s all about growing the entire supply chain," Field said. "How do we make them strong? If the supply chain isn’t strong, then the company that produces the end product isn’t strong, so it’s really a holistic view to make sure everybody is as strong as they can be.” 

The proposal projects 1,500 added manufacturing jobs in the next five years. Strategies for doing so are increased workforce development, a commitment to innovation, and a growth in infrastructure - all ideas to grow the industry and the greater economy.  

“You want new money," Stenger said. "You want new investments. You want to attract new investments into the area to build the manufacturing facilities, to expand the facilities, and that usually comes from the fact that your products are being sold to a much larger market.”  

While bringing big benefits close to home. Leaders hope a strong manufacturing base will bring more good-paying jobs and people to fill them. 

As we continue looking at the Southern Tier's URI proposal Thursday, we'll look at another initiative looking to bring people to the region, promoting innovative culture.