OLEAN, N.Y. -- Olean Advanced Products, part of AVX Corporation in South Carolina, recently announced it was closing its plant. It's a move that will eliminate more than 80 jobs.
The company manufacturers electronic components in the town of Olean, and plans to be out within the next year.
"This is not a huge surprise, but its certainly is a blow to our economy. Very devastating for the employees that lose their jobs, their families, and future employment in the community," said Larry Sorokes, Greater Olean Chamber of Commerce CEO.
Local business development and Chamber of Commerce leaders say the closing will have a negative impact that'll reach far beyond the employees.
"Their spouses, their families. Anyone who has a service business, whether it's a bank, a restaurant or a grocery store. They're all impacted by the loss of employment and potentially the loss of those residents," said Sorokes.
"Well it's very disappointing. We can't offer an economic package, okay, we just don't have the means to do that," said Mayor William Aiello, R-Olean.
Aiello says he's contacted state leaders for help, including state Sen. Cathy Young, who has reached out to the state's economic development team.
"I think this one's a done deal. I hope not. I hope and pray that by our state officials reaching out to them that maybe we can save this plant and keep the jobs here," said Aiello.
Sorokes says he'll work to help employees find new opportunities in an effort to keep them in the area.
"I hope that within the ranks of those 80 some people, their may be some people with an idea for starting their own business and we're here to help them do that," said Sorokes.
Local company leaders were not able to comment on the closing.