ZANEEZ® Launches CT-based Manufacturing for its AnkleSTONE® and BedROK® Products

Logo for Zaneez Health & Fitness Equipment: a purple wordmark with a stylized

“The most exciting part of this successful strategy was the efficiency of the CONNSTEP process guided by their expert consultant who understood our needs in detail, and knew the best manufacturing solution to meet our challenge."

—Dr. Marien J. Zanyk, PhD, ZANEEZ® Health & Fitness


ZANEEZ® Health & Fitness CEO and founder Marien J. Zanyk, PhD, has figured out a new approach for musculoskeletal conditioning, and has created innovative exercise platforms to advance the way people move and exercise. With these new products, the company is driving the trends toward advanced strength & conditioning outcomes in sports medical and clinical populations.



Providing stability and advanced movement, through supportive ledges, grips, and leverage, AnkleSTONE® & BedROK® are designed to progress movement toward top flexibility, strength, and range of motion, for best athletic performance, and prevention and recovery from injury.

  • Challenge

    While the founder of ZANEEZ was able to navigate the early stages of development from proof of concept through initial sales, ZANEEZ quickly experienced a surge in interest for its innovative products. A suitable manufacturing partner was needed to meet the expected increase in sales.


    A prospective partner would have to provide access to 3D test modeling and scaled production trials, followed by full scale thermopress and injection mold ramped production of both AnkleSTONE and BedROK products.

  • Solution

    Dr. Zanyk preferred to work with a specialized American manufacturer within Connecticut and contracted with CONNSTEP, Connecticut’s MEP Center, to search for manufacturing candidates within the state’s geographic footprint.


    CONNSTEP identified top companies capable of providing the best fit and with capacity to meet demand. Dr. Zanyk was referred to the University of Connecticut Tech Park for all 3D modeling and scanning prior to production. Manufacturer Canevari Plastics of Milford, Connecticut was selected for their thermopress and injection mold technology capabilities to produce the orthopedic products. Spark Design of Meriden, Connecticut was contracted for CAD re-design and production modeling.

  • Result

    Dr. Zanyk utilized UConn Tech Park for 3D print and scan of the AnkleSTONE and BedROK products, and developed partnerships with both Spark Design, a Connecticut based product designer and Canevari Plastics, a manufacturer capable of handling the new product launch and fulfillment with a valuable pre-production run.


    These manufacturing relationships enabled ZANEEZ Health & Fitness to commit to orders from the University of Connecticut Women’s Basketball team, the NBA’s Orlando Magic, the Hartford Wolf Pack hockey team(NY Rangers minor league ice hockey team) and more. In addition, the advances earned the company’s selection to Well4Tech, Business accelerator of CT/Israel Investor interests and earned paid assistance of a state Start up Advisor, sponsored by CTNext, to ensure continued success of the operations.


    Now poised to achieve sustainable results, ZANEEZ was able to save 6-8 month’s time of advanced commercialization to create successful production prior to launch and full-scale operation.

Blue circle with a white upward trending graph and an orange outline.

Project Impact

$100,000 Cost Savings

7 Retained 

3 Customer Order Acquistions

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.
Website screen shot of CMMC 2.0 Help Now Compliance Estimator webpage
By Amanda Beaulieu August 6, 2026
Learn how CONNSTEP's new CMMC 2.0 Compliance Estimator helps defense manufacturers assess readiness and estimate compliance costs in minutes.
New CONNSTEP board members Michael Scotto and Christian Colon.
By Amanda Beaulieu August 4, 2026
CONNSTEP announcement about the election of new Board of Directors members Michael Scotto and Christian Colon.
CONNSTEP Anna Mumford Women of Innovation 2026 Finalist
By Amanda Beaulieu August 3, 2026
“To be recognized alongside so many inspiring women who are advancing STEM and driving innovation across Connecticut is truly meaningful,” said Anna Mumford.
Electric Boat Secures Historic U.S. Navy Contract to Expand Submarine Production
By Amanda Beaulieu July 30, 2026
General Dynamics Electric Boat has been awarded contract modifications as part of the U.S. Navy's $76.6 billion shipbuilding contract for 14 additional submarines.