Commissioner Wirths praised the company for partnering with his department and the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP), a not-for-profit training provider, to develop workplace skills through the state’s “Competitive Customized Training” grant program. The grants are matching funds awarded through the department and funded through the state’s Workforce Development Partnership Program to enhance worker skills in New Jersey businesses and industries.

“We want to protect the businesses that currently exist in New Jersey and we want to create more opportunities for businesses to grow and expand here,” said Commissioner Wirths. “It is important for businesses to be aware of the valuable services and programs my department provides.”

Sen. Anthony Bucco (R-Morris) joined Commissioner Wirths and Robert Loderstedt, president and CEO of NJMEP, in presenting Norwalt President Walter McDonald and Chief of Operations Michael Seitel with a framed letter announcing that the company had been selected to receive a training grant.

“I am a staunch supporter of Governor Christie’s initiatives to help New Jersey businesses grow through joint investments in training employees. It allows businesses to be more productive and competitive,” said Sen. Bucco.

Norwalt will train most of its 45 company employees using the $38,400 training grant in courses that include quality control technology, engineering, and lean manufacturing. The company will match the state training grant with $44,282 of its own money.

“Our company is happy to operate here in New Jersey,” said McDonald of Norwalt. “The Customized Training grant we received will help us increase efficiency, improve the skills of our employees, and make us remain competitive in the market place.”

Norwalt, a Morris County business for more than 40 years, designs, engineers, and manufactures custom high-speed automation machinery. The company was previously awarded two grants in FY 2008 and FY 2010.

“Manufacturing companies like Norwalt represent the future of how manufacturing will operate here in New Jersey,” said Loderstedt. “As a provider of the training for the company, we are proud to be an essential part of the economic and educational uplift for New Jersey businesses.”

During the event, Commissioner Wirths encouraged other New Jersey businesses to apply for matching customized training grants.

The department is in the process of awarding nearly $2.5 million in “customized training” grants to 70 New Jersey businesses, and over $200,000 in “literacy training” grants. This investment in training is being matched by those companies with $3.5 million.

To date, in Fiscal Year 2011, the department has provided over $14 million in “customized training” grants to train more than 38,000 workers at over 460 businesses. These businesses have invested another $20.8 million in that training. The department has also awarded more than $1.2 million in “workplace literacy training” grants helping approximately 45 businesses increase the workplace capabilities of more than 4,000 workers, with $1.7 million in matching funds.

Individual businesses or a business consortium led by educational institutions, non-profit organizations, trade associations and labor unions are eligible to apply for grants on an on-going basis. The department will match interested applicants with a state business representative who will provide assistance throughout the application process.