Associated Industries of Massachusetts congratulates 20 member employers who won Workforce Training Fund Program (WTFP) grants from the commonwealth today.

The AIM-member employers were among 87 companies and training organizations that will share in more than $6.8 million to improve the skills of existing and newly hired employees. WTFP, the commonwealth’s flagship workforce training initiative, has provided $68.66 million to train approximately 90,000 Massachusetts workers at more than 2,750 companies since 2007.

“We are focused on addressing the skills gap issue in the commonwealth so that workers can compete in today’s ever-changing jobs market,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “The Workforce Training Fund focuses on the needs of both our businesses and workers, as Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in economic recovery.”

Richard C. Lord, President and Chief Executive Officer of AIM and Chair of the Workforce Training Fund Program Advisory Board, said employers have become more comfortable with the program since the Legislature and governor removed it from annual budget debates by placing it into a trust during Fiscal Year 2012.

“It’s great to see the Workforce Training Fund programs back in full operation, with assured funding,” Lord said. “Employers of all sizes across the state are seeking improved productivity, and these grant programs are proven resources for advancing workforce skills.”

WTFP allows employers to apply for grants of up to $25,000 for technical assistance programs, or up to $250,000 for full training programs. Training programs may last up to two years.

The grant winners announced today are located in 66 cities and towns across the commonwealth and will provide training to employees in a range of sectors, including financial services, manufacturing, engineering and hospitality.  AIM members receiving grants were:

• Imperial Distributions Inc., Auburn, $183,000 awarded, 125 employees to be trained, 12 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.
• The Phia Group LLC, Braintree, $152,813 awarded, 79 employees to be trained, 10 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.
• NYPRO, Inc., Clinton, $150,060 awarded, 134 employees to be trained, 18 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.
• Nye Lubricants Inc, Fairhaven, $145,200 awarded, 128 employees to be trained, 8 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.
• Accutech Packaging, Inc., Foxboro, $102,220 awarded, 42 employees to be trained, 5 additional jobs expected to be created as a result of training.
• Iredale Mineral Cosmetics Ltd., Great Barrington, $228,400 awarded, 79 employees to be trained, 5 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.
• Vacuum Technology Associates, Inc., Hingham, $48,760 awarded, 72 employees to be trained, 10 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.
• James J. Dowd and Sons Insurance Agency, Inc, Holyoke, $49,980 awarded, 41 employees to be trained, no additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.
• Boyd Coatings Research, Hudson, $128,850 awarded, 90 employees to be trained, 3 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.
• Fourstar Connections Inc., Hudson, $71,930 awarded, 21 employees to be trained, 5 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.
• National Lumber, Mansfield, $79,250 awarded, 79 employees to be trained, 6 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.
• Bixby International Corporation, Newburyport, $86,400 awarded, 56 employees to be trained, 4 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.
• Fabrico, Oxford, $182,400 awarded, 177 employees to be trained, 20 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.
• Randolph Engineering, Randolph, $32,640 awarded, 48 employees to be trained, 3 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.
• Ionsense, Inc., Saugus, $16,800 awarded, 8 employees to be trained, 3 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.
• Ranor, Inc., Westminster, $73,692 awarded, 140 employees to be trained, 5 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.
• Janis Research Company, Inc., Wilmington, $131,470 awarded, 77 employees to be trained, 1 additional job is expected to be created as a result of training.
• United Tool & Die Company, Inc., Wilmington, $48,290 awarded, 16 employees to be trained, 5 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.
• Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry, LLC, Wilmington, $63,225 awarded, 33 employees to be trained, 5 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.
• Curtis Industries, Worcester, $103,350 awarded, 82 employees to be trained, 8 additional jobs are expected to be created as a result of training.