CONNSTEP Newsletter | April 2024

March 28, 2024
Connstep Monthly publication cover. Construction workers talking in a factory setting, title with date, and tagline.

Recent Case Studies


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

“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

Read this Case Study: https://www.connstep.org/case-study/zaneez-launches-ct-based-manufacturing-for-its-anklestone-and-bedrok-products/

 

Total Productive Maintenance Reduces Equipment Downtime and Lost Capacity

“The biggest standout of this process with CONNSTEP was implementing a practice of TPM and applying it to our other machines to really help our efforts to minimize downtime, improve capacity, and meet the needs of our customers. ” – Alec Martone, Leggett & Platt (L&P) Aerospace

Read this Case Study: https://www.connstep.org/case-study/total-productive-maintenance-reduces-equipment-downtime-and-lost-capacity/

 

More Case Studies

Recent Blogs


[Manufacturer Profile] Katty Garcia

Six years ago, she embarked on her tenure as a Production Operations Manager at Siftex Equipment Company, a manufacturer specializing in custom flexible connectors for various industries and applications. Last year, she was promoted to the company leadership position of General Manager, responsible for all operations and management of the company.


ICYMI: Proper Onboarding Can Make a Lasting Impression
Many manufacturers utilize a Quality Management System (QMS) in their organizations. A QMS is generally defined as a structured system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for continuously delivering high-quality products and services that meet regulatory and customer requirements.

Read this Blog: https://www.connstep.org/workforce-development/proper-onboarding-can-make-a-lasting-impression/

 

More Blogs

Upcoming Training & Events


Event
A Guide to Digital Transformation Hosted by Capital Community College

Date: Wednesdays, February 7-June 26
Time:
 8 am-9:30 am
Location:
 Ten (10) Locations Across CT

 

Webinar
Decoding the Proposed CMMC Rule & Compliance
Date: April 10
Time:
 12 noon-1pm
Location:
 Online

 

Training
Quality Essentials Program (QEP Spring 2
024)
Date: April 11-May 9
Time:
 9 am-3:30 pm
Location:
 Cromwell, CT

 

Training
Supervisor Bootcamp (Spring 2024)
Date: May 3-June 14
Time:
 8 am-12 pm
Location:
 Cromwell, CT

More Upcoming Events


Manufacturing 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.

CONNSTEP’s Downloads & Materials
Discover key resources and information to help your organization overcome challenges and meet its goals to advance your business growth, enhance your manufacturing capabilities, and sustain your competitiveness in the industry.

Additional Resources

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CONNSTEP Monthly Newsletter


Recent Posts

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
Learn how Penn Globe partnered with CONNSTEP to invest in employee training, strengthen skills, and support business growth and competitiveness.
Logo of Specialty Cable Corporation (SCC) in a warehouse setting.
February 10, 2026
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.
February 9, 2026
Learn how Forum Plastics partnered with CONNSTEP to invest in supervisory training, strengthen leadership skills, and support long-term growth.
Logo of the letter
February 8, 2026
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.
February 6, 2026
See how an aerospace manufacturer partnered with CONNSTEP to conduct an internal quality audit and get back on track to compliance.
Woman in lab setting, logo overlay of Syn-Mar Products Inc., blue and white color scheme.
February 5, 2026
Learn how a home bathroom remodeling manufacturer partnered with CONNSTEP to use lean training to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Logo for Wild CNC Machining Services on a blue background.
February 4, 2026
See how a manufacturer partnered with CONNSTEP to update HR policies, strengthen people practices, and support future business growth.
Show More