TONAWANDA, N.Y. — The Rapid Response Unit of the state Department of Labor hosted a job fair Tuesday in Erie County.

What You Need To Know

  •  The Rapid Response Team from the state Department of Labor hosting a job fair for displaced Sumitomo workers

  •  More than 1,500 employees were let go earlier this month as the plant closed shop

  • There are other job fairs planned in the coming months

About a hundred employers and manufacturers were on hand to help the displaced workers of Sumitomo Rubber USA. 

That includes former employee Chris Kruger, who worked at the plant for about three-and-a-half years.

"[It's] very helpful. This is a huge benefit to all those who've lost their jobs," said Kruger. "I'm glad that there's so many businesses in the Buffalo area that are reaching out to everyone at Sumitomo."

About 1,500 Sumitomo employees were suddenly laid off earlier last month  after the plant closed.

"It's definitely hard to take in, losing your job; [It] kind of sets you back." said Kruger. "And I've taken a couple of weeks just to gather myself and figure out what I want to do in my next step of life."

"This is a devastating event for the community, not just for the workers," said Roberta Reardon, commissioner, NYS Department of Labor.

State leaders say the event will help put the employees on a new career path by helping them with skills like resume writing and interviewing techniques.

"We want to make sure that they have every opportunity to succeed," said Reardon. "These are skilled workers. They have experience. They've been loyal to their employer. They are gold on the job market."

Like Kruger, who says he wants to find a job where he can keep his family in Buffalo.

"I'm hoping to either have a job in the manufacturing field, or step into audio production which is a passion of mine," he said.

The state hopes to host another job fair next month.

Any employer interested in posting a job can do so for free by contacting the state's job center.