Vestal Parkway Business Closing After More Than Seven Decades

One of the oldest businesses on the Vestal Parkway is winding down operations this month.

K. Hein Machines is one of the oldest continuously-running firms in the town of Vestal.

The company has been providing machining and assembly services since it was founded by Kurt Hein more than 70 years ago.

Chuck Hein, the firm's current president and owner, said his father, Walter, oversaw operations of the family business before he took over.

Chuck Hein had hoped to find a buyer for the company, which is located at 341 Vestal Parkway East. But when that didn't happen, he decided it was time to retire.

As he made preparations to close the business, he said "it's bittersweet to me." He told WNBF News he's been working with the company for 47 years.

Hein said the firm was busiest during the 1980s when it was doing plenty of contract work for big companies like IBM and Universal Instruments. He said the workforce at the site topped out at 46 people during that era.

Over the years, K. Hein Machines has employed a total of 460 people.

With the exodus of major firms from the area, business has dwindled in recent years.

Although thousands of vehicles pass by the K. Hein Machines building on the Parkway every day, most area residents are unaware of its existence and its history.

An auction of the machine shop equipment is scheduled for May 28.

Although the business is closing, the site is not likely to be idle for long. Hein said the property is under contract.. He did not identify the prospective buyer.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.