Manufacturer Future Growth Bolstered by Updated HR Policies

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“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.

Blue circle with a white upward arrow.

Project Impact

$500,000 Retained Sales

$5,000 New Investments

$20,000 Cost Savings

5 Jobs Created/Retained

April 29, 2026
Phoenix Manufacturing, Inc., founded in 1989, is a privately held family-operated small business in Enfield, Connecticut, specializing in precision machining for the aerospace industry. What began as a two-person operation in a 2,000-square-foot building has grown into a company with over 100 employees operating out of a 114,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. As a contract manufacturer, Phoenix specializes in complex, tight-tolerance components, supported by more than 40 CNC machines and a multi-axis mill/turn line. The company provides end-to-end manufacturing solutions—from engineering consultation through full-scale production—serving commercial aviation, spaceflight, and defense markets for both domestic and global customers, including leading aerospace and defense OEMs. A defining element of Phoenix’s growth has been its strategic investment in advanced manufacturing technology, particularly palletized machining centers. Since 2017, the company has added 11 machining centers integrated with palletized systems, enabling unattended, automated production and significantly expanding machining capacity. This automation journey has positioned Phoenix to better meet increasing customer demand while maximizing machine utilization. Phoenix’s commitment to quality is central to its operations and customer relationships. Managing more than 600 active part numbers, the company strives for 0 parts per million (PPM) defects and 99% on-time delivery (OTD) for major OEM customers. Its quality management system is certified to ISO 9001 and AS9100 Rev D standards, and Phoenix also holds NADCAP certifications in Nonconventional Machining and Nondestructive Testing, reflecting a rigorous, inspection-driven approach to delivering consistent, high-quality results.  Guided by a mission to deliver high-quality, cost-effective products through advanced technology and an uncompromising commitment to quality, Phoenix continues to invest in innovation, automation, and the next generation of manufacturing leadership.
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Founded in 1959, Projects Inc. is a Glastonbury, Connecticut-based manufacturer specializing in precision-machined components for aerospace, industrial, and commercial applications. With 102 employees, the company operates out of 66,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space and supports customers across a range of industries, including aerospace and power generation. Projects Inc. has deep roots in the aerospace industry, where it has provided high-quality machining services for decades. Since 1996, the company has supplied FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) components to the aviation sector. Projects Inc. received FAA Repair Station Certification in 1984. As a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider, Projects supports customers with repair solutions that help keep critical aerospace equipment operating safely and efficiently. Its customer base includes major aerospace companies such as Sikorsky, Pratt & Whitney, and GE Aerospace, along with airlines including United, Delta, American, and Lufthansa. Projects Inc. is Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) – approved. The company is also AS9100D and ISO 9001: 2015-certified, reflecting its commitment to quality, consistency, and industry standards. With capabilities that include prototyping, CNC machining, EDM, laser cutting, and grinding, Projects Inc. offers a broad range of precision manufacturing services supported by advanced in-house equipment and technical expertise. Today, Projects Inc. is recognized as an experienced supplier of high-quality components, with a long-standing focus on quality, reliability, and customer service.
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