CONNSTEP Newsletter | July 2024

June 30, 2024
Man working with machinery,

Recent Case Studies


Elevated Supervisory Skills Add to Performance & Productivity

“After the CONNSTEP training, I felt that each employee strengthened their capability as a supervisor. It shows in their confidence to lead others and the processes they have implemented in their departments. It also sends a message to everyone in the company that we care about your career growth and will keep supporting you in your roles.” Katty Garcia, General Manager, Siftex Equipment Company

Read this Case Study: https://www.connstep.org/case-study/elevated-supervisory-skills-add-to-performance-productivity/


First Pass Yield Improvement Creates Dramatic Reduction in Lead Time

“Following guidance from my CONNSTEP mentor on this CICC project, I was able to lay out problems visually and uncover issues that were normally hidden. In the end, we reached our goal of having an RMA process that reduces the amount of returns coming back. And it freed up some of my time to apply to new projects.” Simon Bertocci, Manufacturing Engineer, Carlyle Johnson Machine Co.

Read this Case Study: https://www.connstep.org/case-study/first-pass-yield-improvement-creates-dramatic-reduction-in-lead-time/

 

More Case Studies

Recent Blogs


Misconceptions of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement

Lean principles and Continuous Improvement methodologies have garnered significant attention in manufacturing for their potential to optimize processes, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency. However, various misconceptions often cloud the understanding and implementation of these strategies.

Read this Blog: https://www.connstep.org/continuous-improvement/misconceptions-of-lean-manufacturing-and-continuous-improvement/

 

CONNSTEP Spring 2024 CICC Program Wraps Up with Dynamic Presentations

CONNSTEP recently concluded its successful Continuous Improvement Champion Certification (CICC) program for Spring 2024. Manufacturers from across Connecticut sent representatives from their companies to learn about Lean manufacturing principles and practices.

Read this Blog: https://www.connstep.org/continuous-improvement/connstep-spring-2024-cicc-program-wraps-up-with-dynamic-presentations/

Upcoming Training & Events


Training
CMMC Bootcamp: Mastering the CMMC Requirements Implementation

Date: Wednesdays, August 28th-September 25

Time: 8:00 am-12 noon

Location: Hartford, CT

View Training

 

Training
Continuous Improvement Champion Certification (CICC)-Fall

Date: Tuesdays, September 10-December 12

Time: 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Location: Cromwell, CT

View Training

Manufacturing Resources


Capstone Projects

Each year, dozens of manufacturing companies present engineering schools in Connecticut universities with design challenges they encounter in their business. Students research and analyze the problem, and typically end up with a solution—a design, a model, a working prototype.

Ideally, it’s a win-win for the company and the students: the company has their problem solved and students get hands-on experience problem solving.

CONNSTEP will coordinate the connection between the manufacturer and the university, and assist the process as needed.

 

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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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.
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