CONNSTEP Newsletter | February 2024

January 30, 2024
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Recent Case Studies


Cybersecurity Compliance Key to Business Sustainability

“Working with CONNSTEP on our POAM has changed the way we operate. Taking into consideration all security measures has made us compliant, which for a small organization like ours is critical to our success.”- Mike Fabiani, President, Corru-Seals (dba Nicholsons)

Read this Case Study: https://www.connstep.org/case-study/cybersecurity-compliance-key-to-business-sustainability/

 

UTR Engineering Works: Unleashing New Opportunities with CONNEX Connecticut

We provide many services which can prove difficult for potential clients to zero in on, but CONNEX and the CONNSTEP team made sure clients understand how U.T.R. can help. Overall, it has been a great avenue for us to develop new clients and raise our profile and awareness.” –Ralph Prisco, U.T.R. Engineering Works


More Case Studies

Recent Blogs


The Role of Daily Management in Creating a Lean Culture

The work environment of a manufacturing business is a critical factor for its growth, competitiveness, and success. A company culture driven by continuous improvement initiatives sustained over time not only delivers value to customers but also engages your workforce as habitual problem-solvers.

Read this Blog: https://www.connstep.org/continuous-improvement/the-role-of-daily-management-in-creating-a-lean-culture/

 

ICYMI: AI in Manufacturing Has Its Benefits
Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently commented on AI saying, “The revolution is coming faster than you know. It’s a profound technology still in its early days that will impact every product across every company.”

Read this Blog: https://www.connstep.org/technology/ai-in-manufacturing-has-its-benefits/

 

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

 

Training
Training Within Industry-Job Instruction (TWI-JI)

Date: February 12-February 14
Time:
 8 am-12 noon
Location:
 Hartford

 

Training
Continuous Improvement Champion Certification (CICC Spring 2024)
Date: March 5-June 4
Time:
 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Location:
 Cromwell, CT

 

Training
Quality Essentials Program (QEP Spring 2024)
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


Manufacturing News


Manufacturing Resources


Money 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

Join the Newsletter Mailing List


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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