CONNSTEP Manufacturing Industry Newsletter: Winter 2026

Jaime Santos • March 11, 2026
CONNSTEP team employees posing together in office

We’ve launched a new website—with a fresh, new look.

The redesigned CONNSTEP site makes it faster and easier to find the resources you need, whether you’re looking to improve operations, navigate compliance, develop your workforce, plan for growth, or advance sustainability initiatives. 


Explore success stories, register for trainings and events, connect with our team of trusted advisor, and access industry insights—all in just a few clicks. Take a look and see what’s new: connstep.org.


CONNSTEP Awarded $350,000 Federal Grant to Support Connecticut Manufacturers in Energy and Technology Sectors

CONNSTEP announced it has been awarded a $350,000 federal grant to support a new initiative designed to strengthen the competitiveness of Connecticut’s small and medium-sized manufacturers operating in critical energy and advanced technology sectors.

“CONNSTEP does such an outstanding job of integrating these industries with the workforce that they need so that we can continue to see modern technology grow and flourish, which, of course, is good for the economy, good for jobs, and good for people all across the 1st District and the state of Connecticut and the entire country,” said Congressman Larson.

The announcement was made during a news conference hosted by Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc. in Windsor. CONNSTEP President and CEO Beatriz N. Gutierrez was joined by Congressman John Larson and Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc. President and CEO William Smith.


Ensuring Connecticut Is Cyber-Ready: Commerce Committee's Manufacturing Caucus

CONNSTEP President & CEO Beatriz Gutierrez was grateful for the opportunity to speak about one of the most urgent issues facing our manufacturing ecosystem today: helping small and mid-sized manufacturers achieve cybersecurity certification, particularly CMMC compliance.


With more than 1,200 defense manufacturers in Connecticut and fewer than a quarter currently ready for certification, the need to move from awareness to action—through assessments, trusted partners, workforce development, and sustained funding—has never been greater. A secure, resilient supply chain is critical not only for national defense, but for our state’s economy and local communities.

Source: LinkedIn

Beatriz was proud to join fellow speakers Chief Manufacturing Officer Kirti Patel, CBIA’s Paul Amarone, EAMA's Anthony Benoit, Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT)’s Andrew Bond, PTA Plastics’ Michael Rocheleau, and CONNSTEP board member Alison Carey Lynch of Carey Manufacturing.


Follow CONNSTEP on LinkedIn for the latest updates and highlights across the Connecticut manufacturing industry.


Celebrate 25 Incredible Years of CONNSTEP at Our Special Anniversary Gala

Celebrate 25 extraordinary years of CONNSTEP in style at the historic Bushnell Performing Arts Center on March 25th! This elegant evening is your chance to connect around manufacturing’s impact, honor our shared journey, and create unforgettable memories.


Sponsorship opportunities are available, and raffle tickets can be purchased at the event, with all proceeds supporting a scholarship in memory of our colleague, friend, and manufacturing champion, Jack Crane. Your participation helps celebrate Jack’s legacy while investing in Connecticut's manufacturing future.

Kick off the night with a premium open bar (5–7:45 PM) and delicious passed hors d’oeuvres starting at 5:30 PM. Join us for a champagne toast, great music, dancing, and a dessert and coffee bar to round out the evening.


The festivities take place in the stunning Grand Foyer and Promenade Gallery, offering a perfect backdrop for networking, celebration, and reflection on 25 years of manufacturing excellence. Don’t miss this spectacular milestone event—we can’t wait to see you there!


Made in Connecticut: A Highlight of Manufacturing Across the State

Known as the origin place of the "American System of Manufacturing", [Connecticut] inspired the idea of interchangeable parts dating back to the 1800s.


Today, Connecticut is a global leader in aerospace manufacturing, being home to some of the largest jet and aircraft engine producers, as well as the latest in advanced materials for semiconductors, additive manufacturing, and medical devices.


Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial

Source: LinkedIn



Manufacturing News & Updates

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.

Why Hiring Young Talent Makes Business Sense


A growing pool of young talent is moving toward the workforce through multiple pathways—some building skills and credentials through training and work-based learning, others actively seeking entry into employment and ready to grow on the job. 


Read more →

Lamont Proposes R&D Tax Credits for Small Business 


The governor’s proposal evens the playing field for small businesses by allowing pass-through entities to earn a credit equal to 6% of qualifying R&D expenditures, subject to approval by the Department of Economic and Community Development.


Read more →



2026 Corporate Compliance, Litigation Outlook for Manufacturers


Here are corporate compliance and litigation issues that manufacturers might expect to face in 2026.


Read more →

Make Compliance Your 2026 Resolution 


From defense contracting and environmental reforms to supply chain volatility and workforce challenges, the year ahead will bring both heightened obligations and new opportunities for those prepared to act.


Read more →



Dalio Education Awards $2.5M Workforce Development Grant 


Dalio Education has awarded New Haven nonprofit Manufacturing and Community Technical Hub—or MATCH—a five-year, $2.5 million grant.


Read more →

CIRI Acquisition a ‘Defining Moment’ for HABCO Industries 


“Now, as part of the CIRI family of companies, we are well-positioned to accelerate growth while preserving the culture and customer focus that have defined HABCO for more than five decades,” said HABCO president and CEO Brian Montanari.

 

Read more →




CONNSTEP Events & Trainings

Upcoming Industry Events

Manufacturing Resources

CT SMARTE

Connecting manufacturers with advanced technologies to drive efficiency and growth. CT SMARTE links Connecticut’s small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) with technology partners offering practical advanced manufacturing solutions. This free program includes energy assessments, workforce development, technology workshops, trainings and funding opportunities.

  • Data driven modeling
  • Smart Manufacturing (SM)
  • High Performance Computing (HPC)
  • Energy assessments
  • Training and funding resources


Master Digital Thread Manufacturing

Unlock your potential at the cutting-edge Digital Thread Manufacturing Lab.


Grants for Manufacturers

Grant programs designed to help Connecticut manufacturers acquire the skills, tools, and resources needed to keep pace with today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing ecosystem.


Additional Resources


Recent Posts

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.
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.
April 28, 2026
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.
Penn Globe logo over a room with people, possibly a conference.
February 11, 2026
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Logo of Specialty Cable Corporation (SCC) in a warehouse setting.
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See how Specialty Cable Manufacturers partnered with CONNSTEP to strengthen quality systems and successfully achieve AS9100 recertification.
People in a factory setting, with the Forum Contract Manufacturing logo in the foreground.
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Learn how Forum Plastics partnered with CONNSTEP to invest in supervisory training, strengthen leadership skills, and support long-term growth.
Logo of the letter
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See how a Connecticut printing company partnered with CONNSTEP to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and advance environmental sustainability.
Beekley Medical logo with text
February 7, 2026
Learn how a medical products manufacturer partnered with CONNSTEP to strengthen quality systems and achieve successful recertification.
Pursuit Aerospace logo over a blurred medical equipment background. The logo is white text on a black rectangular box.
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