Though Cayuga County manufacturing jobs may be up according to the most recent data, it does not reflect next week's scheduled closure of Nellson Nutraceutical in Cato. But the state Department of Labor hopes to help Nellson employees find new jobs before the Ira cereal bar plant closes Wednesday.

So far, 73 of the plant's 108 workers have sought assistance from the labor department.

A collaborative re-employment service is being conducted by the employment and training offices of Cayuga and Oswego counties and the Workforce New York Partnership.

"The goal of providing such service before actual layoffs occur is always a priority consideration with Workforce New York," said Richard Grossi, assistant director of the Office of Employer Services. "Nellson Nutraceutical has kindly allowed our staffing presence on-site for this specific and timely purpose."

On Feb. 3, labor specialists met with Nellson employees at the plant to present them with available services that included referral opportunities, career counseling, job seeking skills workshops, resume development workshops and New York Job Bank registration.

The workers will also have access to an on-site mini resource center at the plant on Route 34 north of the village of Cato. It's running now and will remain open through March 31, a week after the plant is scheduled to shut down. Nellson provided the personal computers with Internet access, in addition to office support equipment. The center is staffed on a rotating basis with employment counselors from Cayuga and Oswego counties, and from the labor department.

Once the plant closes, those who don't have new jobs will be able to access the same services at the One-Stop offices in Auburn or Oswego.

There are 31 workers from Cayuga County and 42 from Oswego County seeking assistance, Grossi said.

In-demand job titles - there are 55 of them that range from accountants to welders - were also shared with the group, in addition to information about local training providers and how to file an unemployment insurance claim.

Grossi said workers are being encouraged to attend job fairs and other events to connect with potential employers.

Nellson Nutraceutical announced Jan. 21 it would shift production from Ira to its plant in Irwindale, Calif., by the third week of March. Tom Jagiela, the company's vice president of operations, said increased capacity in California means there's no need for the Ira plant to remain open.

Staff writer Louise Hoffman Broach can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 238 or louise.hoffman@lee.net