Strategic Roadmap Brings Synergy to Growth and Operations

Nicholsons logo in dark gray text with a gray curved triangle.

"The standard requires you to overcome roadblocks. Working with CONNSTEP we were able to advance the level of our business and bring synergy to our growth and operational plans."

—Mike Fabiani, General Manager, Corru-Seals, Inc.


Corru-Seals, dba Nicholsons, are global specialists in the design and manufacture of high temperature metal seals, gaskets and ancillary components, supplying the aerospace sector for over 40 years from their U.S. site. Corru-Seals is an approved manufacturer currently supplying seals and gaskets to U. S. aerospace industry customers including Pratt & Whitney, General Electric, Honeywell, and Rolls-Royce Indianapolis.


The company has always achieved their mandatory certifications, including the last several years as the requirements have grown and expanded not only from quality assurance but also to overall business practices. Corru-Seals also complies with the new revision standard to ensure its leadership efforts are aligned with the overall company strategy and business processes.

  • Challenge

    Corru-Seals recognized to fully realize the benefits inherent in the new quality standard would require a paradigm shift in the organization. In order to truly operate at a world class level and compete with much bigger players in a global market they needed to move beyond the mentality of just getting through the most recent audit.


    The attitude of “checking the box” was no longer acceptable. A laser-focused effort would be needed, employing management tools and metrics to provide clear direction for achieving the obvious results and more notably, operating under the intent of the new standard, and reaching growth and operational goals.

  • Solution

    Having had a previous working relationship, Corru-Seals reached out again to CONNSTEP. While the overarching purpose was to pass the audit the first time, the new underlying emphasis was to help Corru-Seals fully understand the AS 9100D standard and most importantly, its application to business operations.


    The initial gap analysis was instrumental in getting the company off to the right start while establishing a roadmap for not only the certification process but also for how to conduct business in the new environment.


    Corru-Seals had been operating under a holistic, balanced scorecard management mentality but could not correlate it to the standard certification activities, which in turn was not showing any value-added return. Embedding and institutionalizing the concepts into their management practice was needed to reap the maximum benefits.

  • Result

    By embracing the intent of the standard, Corru-Seals was successful in implementing best in class concepts. The identifiable aspects of the new standard that have changed the organization and enhanced ownership and accountability include:

    • Relevant interested parties
    • Context of the Organization
    • Employee Awareness
    • Engagement and Competency

    Each step of the way during the pre-audit process the CONNSTEP auditor was there to guide, help with interpretation, and identify the types of objective evidence needed. This allowed the organization to:

    • Improve profitability to its highest levels
    • Provide flexibility and priority to their customer base
    • Enhance overall technical and production capabilities
    • Keep key stakeholders (ownership, customers, employees, suppliers) top of mind
Blue circle with upward trending white arrow, orange border.

Project Impact

35% Expanded Facility

15% Overall Growth Enabled

15% New Employees

2 New Production Lines

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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