Manufacturer Future Growth Bolstered by Updated HR Policies

Logo for Wild Mfg CNC Machining Services: bold, white

“Working with CONNSTEP and their HR partner has really helped us establish a solid foundation of formal employment policies and procedures as we position our company for future growth. We now have a better understanding of HR laws and greater knowledge and consistency on how to properly handle topics such as PTO and the Family and Medical Leave Act for both current employees and future hires."

—Frank Wilde, Founder & CEO, Wilde Manufacturing


Wilde Manufacturing is a precision machining company located in North Haven, Connecticut. Founded in 2012 by owner Frank Wilde, a manufacturing engineer with over 30 years of industry experience, the company moved to its current location in 2022. Wilde Manufacturing offers a wide range of services, including 5-axis CNC machining, 4-axis milling, 7-axis Swiss-style turning, and laser marking.



The company holds quality certifications for ISO 9001:2015, AS 9100 Rev. D, and ISO 13485, making it exceptionally qualified to serve customers across industries such as transportation, electronics, aerospace, and consumer products. Its advanced quality inspection technology, including a state-of-the-art machine vision system, delivers high precision, efficiency, and reliability in its manufacturing processes.

  • Challenge

    Wilde Manufacturing faced challenges related to employment practices at their shop, including performance reviews, paid time off (PTO), and understanding the complexities of the Family and Medical Leave Act. The company wanted to ensure that all employment-related matters were handled professionally, legally, and respectfully, while adhering to existing laws.


    As a small manufacturer planning for long-term growth, Wilde recognized the importance of creating clear, concise, and thorough human resource (HR) policies and practices, to support both current and future employees.

  • Solution

    To address these HR issues, Wilde Manufacturing enlisted the help of CONNSTEP, the Connecticut Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center, to develop a comprehensive HR handbook outlining the company’s employment policies, rules, and compliance for all of its workers.


    CONNSTEP connected Wilde with one of its third-party partners, an expert in organizational employment and workplace culture, to evaluate their existing HR policies, ensure compliance with state and federal laws, and provide recommendations for inclusion in the company HR handbook.

  • Result

    A thorough audit of Wilde’s current HR documents was conducted, including a review of current employment policies and practices. Discussions were also held with leadership to align the company’s culture with its goals.


    CONNSTEP’s HR partner delivered a detailed report of their findings with recommendations to update the company HR policies, helping Wilde Manufacturing better position itself and be prepared for future business growth. These improvements, incorporated into a new company HR handbook, will ensure compliance with employment laws, minimize legal risks, introduce clear guidelines, and foster a productive and engaging company culture.

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Project Impact

$500,000 Retained Sales

$5,000 New Investments

$20,000 Cost Savings

5 Jobs Created/Retained

August 6, 2026
Eljen Corporation is a Windsor, Connecticut-based manufacturer and global leader in innovative onsite wastewater treatment solutions. Founded in 1970 and operating from a 66,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, Eljen is best known for pioneering its Geotextile Sand Filter (GSF) technology. The company develops sustainable products that protect public health and the environment through reliable wastewater treatment solutions for residential and commercial applications. Behind Eljen's innovation is a culture deeply rooted in military service. Led by a team of military veterans, the company emphasizes leadership, integrity, and service—values that extend throughout its 60-person workforce and its customer relationships. Eljen's commitment to recruiting, employing, and supporting veterans has earned national recognition through the U.S. Department of Labor's HIRE Vets Medallion Program.  Beyond product innovation, Eljen is committed to educating and supporting the thousands of installers around the world who use its systems. Through technical expertise and a commitment to customer support, the company helps ensure its products are installed correctly and perform as intended.
August 6, 2026
Founded in 2019, U.T.R. Engineering Works is a Norfolk, Connecticut-based precision engineering and manufacturing company specializing in custom design, precision machining, fabrication, and industrial equipment support. With a hands-on, collaborative approach, the company serves organizations ranging from local family-owned businesses to some of the world's largest corporations, helping manufacturers improve performance, extend equipment life, and maintain operational efficiency. Despite its small size, U.T.R. delivers engineering expertise across industries including marine, defense, aerospace, offshore oil and gas, subsea robotics, and medical devices. Operating from a 1,100-square-foot facility with a team of four employees, the company partners with manufacturers to solve complex engineering challenges, improve production processes, and develop innovative solutions through capabilities that include reverse engineering, equipment modifications, process equipment design, and on-site machinery repair and maintenance.  Committed to customer satisfaction, U.T.R. maintains an on-time delivery rate of more than 98% while emphasizing continuous improvement, exceptional quality, and innovative, cost-effective solutions. The company's focus on quality has translated into exceptional customer performance, with no customer complaints, product returns, or customer-initiated corrective actions, supported by consistently positive customer feedback.
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