CONNSTEP Manufacturing Industry Newsletter: Fall 2025
Manufacturing on the Move: The 2025 CBIA Foundation Manufacturing Tour
October in Connecticut is filled with events celebrating Manufacturing Month. Only one lasts an entire week and aims to bring awareness about the local companies, innovative products, and dedicated people at the heart of the state’s manufacturing communities.
The 2025 CBIA Foundation Manufacturing Tour traveled nearly 600 miles from Seymour to Sandy Hook, Eastford to West Haven, Enfield to New London, and Chester to Shelton, in a big, blue tour bus that was hard to miss as it passed by.
“To me, this week is about grounding us in our work, really making it real, and honoring the people that do the work,” said Beatriz N. Gutierrez, president and CEO of CONNSTEP.
A Letter to the Connecticut Business Community
Innovation and entrepreneurship are ingrained in Connecticut’s DNA. Despite its small size, the state has one of the deepest manufacturing histories in the country, dating back over 200 years. Nicknames such as The Brass City and The Hardware City still reflect the products that historically defined their civic identities. Pioneers like Eli Whitney and Samuel Colt set the stage for modern giants like Sikorsky, Pratt & Whitney, and Electric Boat to become leaders in national defense.
Thousands of manufacturers call Connecticut home. Many of them are multi-generational, family-owned companies creating vital products, providing careers, and supporting their communities. Hundreds of small and medium-sized manufacturers that are the backbone of the industry make up a robust aerospace and defense supply chain. CONNSTEP is proud to strengthen their resiliency and ensure their continued growth and prosperity.
“I like to say that Connecticut does not have a legacy of manufacturing; Connecticut is manufacturing.”
Beatriz N. Gutierrez, CONNSTEP, President & CEO
Thank you to the Hartford Business Journal for providing a premier platform to spotlight the work we are proud to do every day on behalf of our state’s vibrant manufacturing community.
CONNSTEP Announces the Passing of Strategic Advisor and Dear Friend Jack Crane
It is with heavy hearts that CONNSTEP announces the passing of our dear friend and beloved colleague, strategic advisor, Jack Crane, who lost his courageous battle with cancer over the weekend at the age of 92.
Jack’s contributions were woven into the very identity of CONNSTEP. As its second-ever and longest-tenured employee, Jack helped build the organization more than 30 years ago when it began as the State Extension Partnership at UConn in 1994.
“Jack was CONNSTEP,” said Beatriz Gutierrez, CONNSTEP president and CEO. “He was always going to be here, and we will miss him terribly.”
“He listened deeply, guided thoughtfully, and supported unconditionally,” said CBIA President and CEO Chris DiPentima. “He was a true unicorn—one of those once in a lifetime people who leave a lasting mark on your life.”
Building From Within: Siftex Employees Level Up Their Leadership with CONNSTEP
Providing employees with the resources to gain skills like robotics, AI-integrated production, and data analytics shifts their focus to higher-value activities. These skills, acquired through classroom instruction, digital learning platforms, and even “gamified” learning, enable employees to use problem-solving and creativity to drive innovation.
“People know that you have a clear vision for them and you are there to help them grow…that is part of your mission in life as a company and as a person,” said Katty Garcia, Siftex Equipment Company, Inc. General Manager.
When workers understand and can efficiently execute complex manufacturing processes, it leads to reduced errors, waste, and production downtime.
Introducing the CBIA Manufacturing Coalition in Partnership with CONNSTEP
CBIA and CONNSTEP are proud to launch the new CBIA Manufacturing Coalition.
The coalition has “a singular vision of building a vibrant, statewide manufacturing community that drives collaboration and growth through comprehensive training, valuable resources, and strategic networking,” says CBIA’s Chris DiPentima.
Carey Manufacturing’s Alison Carey Lynch, Mica Corporation’s Jaclyn Epstein, Westminster Tool’s Colby Coombs, American Woolen Company’s Jacob Harrison Long, and Roto North America’s Chris Dimou make up the coalition’s inaugural advisory board.
Grow Your Business. Shape the Industry. Join today and help build a stronger, more connected manufacturing community.
CMMC Is Now Contractual: Compliance is No Longer Optional for Connecticut Defense Contractors
Foreign adversaries increasingly view smaller Defense Industrial Base partners as the easiest entry point to steal intellectual property and disrupt U.S. capabilities. Defense subcontractors—many of whom develop highly innovative and sensitive Controlled Unclassified Information—have been a prime target.
“The complex nature of CMMC 2.0 certification means that achieving and maintaining it is not an overnight process. Depending on an organization’s existing cybersecurity controls and its required certification level, certification can take anywhere from a few months for Level 1, to more than a year for Levels 2 and 3.”
SBA Unveils New Loan Program for Small Manufacturers
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the launch of the Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan Program, effective October 1.
According to an SBA news release, the agency’s first-ever loan program dedicated solely to small U.S. Manufacturers (NAICS 31-33), is built to cut through red tape and provide maximum flexibility, offering more options to meet businesses’ unique working capital needs.
“With 98% of American manufacturers classified as small businesses, the new MARC Loans represent a powerful source of targeted capital for those who are growing our nation’s production,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler.
Chapco Sheet Metal Fabrication Celebrates Manufacturing Month with ISO 9001:2015 QMS Certification
Chapco, Inc., a leader in precision sheet metal fabrication and contract manufacturing solutions since 1964, today announced it has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification, the internationally recognized benchmark for Quality Management Systems.
To achieve certification, Chapco underwent a rigorous audit. Chapco extends its sincere thanks to CONNSTEP for expert guidance in preparing the team, and to AMTIVO for conducting a comprehensive three-day evaluation of our people, processes, and technology—validating the strength of Chapco’s systems and culture.
“This certification is more than a milestone for Chapco—it’s a commitment to our customers,” said Brian Weinstein, Chapco’s President & Chief Executive. “It validates our quality management system for consistency, efficiency, and continuous improvement.”
Connecticut’s ‘Critically Important’ Manufacturing Sector Highlighted by Bus Tour, ‘Alive and Thriving’
Beatriz Gutierrez, CEO and president of CONNSTEP, said that the tour highlighted the ability of those involved in the manufacturing sector “to come together and be able to collaborate, which is so important.”
While manufacturing’s contributions to Connecticut’s economy are undeniable, it is also a sector that faces significant challenges. In the CBIA’s 2025 Manufacturing Report, 82% of manufacturers reported difficulty finding and retaining workers, with skills gaps comprising the greatest challenge.
Kirti Patel Appointed Connecticut’s Next Chief Manufacturing Officer
Governor Ned Lamont has named Kirti Patel as Connecticut’s newest chief manufacturing officer.
Effective September 15, Patel will fill the role previously held by Paul Lavoie, who left in July to join the University of New Haven as vice president of innovation and applied technology.
CMO Kirti Patel called his appointment to the new role an “honor,” saying, “Connecticut has a world-class workforce, innovative companies, and strong educational partners. I look forward to working with manufacturers across the state to strengthen collaboration, build capacity, and ensure our sector remains globally competitive.”
Upskilling: Investing in Talent for Tomorrow’s Success
Since January 2025, the U.S. has averaged nearly 430,000 unfilled manufacturing jobs per month, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The rapid advancement in manufacturing technology, from automation to AI, is creating a skills gap that further increases the demand for workers with capabilities beyond their learned trade skills or specific job duties.
“By implementing automation for repetitive tasks and upskilling workers, companies can redirect employee efforts toward higher-value activities,” said Beatriz N. Gutierrez, CONNSTEP President & CEO.
At Manufacturing Summit, CT Businesses Highlight Tariff Concerns
Employers in all sectors were facing a challenging trifecta of labor woes, rising costs and uncertainty due to federal policy, a survey from CBIA found.
With so many shared concerns, Connecticut’s manufacturers are proposing a shared solution: collaboration and investment in initiatives aimed at bringing companies together. One such effort, the CBIA Manufacturing Coalition, was formally announced.
Beatriz N. Gutierrez, President and CEO of CONNSTEP, said, “Amid ongoing labor shortages and supply chain uncertainty, it is strong partnerships like these that will give manufacturers the tools and voice to position the industry to grow and thrive.”
UConn Tech Park Announces New Advisory Board
The UConn Tech Park has revitalized its Advisory Board, adding several new members from some of the University’s most successful industrial and governmental partnerships.
The members include leaders from Connecticut’s Department of Economic and Community Development, Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA), CONNSTEP, and companies that partner with UConn in centers housed at the Innovation Partnership Building.
“The board members seek to continue UConn’s successful industrial partnerships.”
— Matt Engelhardt, UConn Today
CONNSTEP Highlights CT SMARTE Program at UConn Technology Showcase
CONNSTEP team members spent their day at the UConn Tech Showcase, celebrating industry and innovation, and highlighting the benefits of the CT SMARTE program with the nearly 200 attendees.
The CONNSTEP team sends a big thank you to our friends at UConn for featuring our team on the front page of UConn Today. We were also proud to be one of the sponsors of this debut event!
“It’s because we have this incredible hundred plus-year legacy of making incredibly complicated things here. That is where we have a true comparative edge,” said Daniel O’Keefe, the state Commissioner of the Economic Development and Chief Innovation Officer.
Penn Globe: Lighting the Way to Growth with Employee Training
The size and fragility of many of its products require deft and agile movement of materials around Penn Globe’s manufacturing floor.
To comply with OSHA standards, Penn Globe needed to train and certify several employees in safe and effective forklift operations, as well as re-certify previously trained employees.
Recognizing the opportunity to reduce costs and foster employee growth, company leadership elected to invest in upskilling their current team rather than bringing on new hires.
Penn Globe reached out to CONNSTEP to facilitate this internal training for its employees.
“Penn Globe consistently relies on CONNSTEP to both grow and stay competitive in the lighting market. We consider them to be a critical partner to our future success.”
UConn Helps Manufacturers Cut Energy Costs, Boost Efficiency
For more than four decades, the U.S. Department of Energy’s ITACs across the country have supported small and mid-sized manufacturers by providing on-site evaluations and recommendations to reduce energy use and improve productivity—all at no cost to the company.
At the University of Connecticut, the ITAC team serves facilities across Connecticut, New England, Long Island and New York City areas, helping manufacturers identify practical, high-impact ways to save energy and money.
“Our mission is to help manufacturers operate more efficiently and sustainably,” said Dr. Liang Zhang, Director of UConn’s Southern New England Industrial Training and Assessment Center.
“We focus on the systems that often get overlooked—compressed air, pumps, motors, HVAC, and lighting. These are the backbone of production, but they can also be the biggest sources of energy waste if they’re not optimized.”
‘Not Your Grandfather’s Manufacturing’
“It’s not your grandfather’s manufacturing anymore—it’s a very, very different industry,” state Comptroller Sean Scanlon told a crowd gathered at Carey Manufacturing in Cromwell Oct. 7 as Connecticut kicked off Manufacturing Month.
Scanlon’s words capture the reality that modern manufacturing isn’t about assembly lines and repetitive tasks. It’s about advanced robotics, precision engineering, and high-skilled careers that offer real pathways to economic opportunity.
Yet as state leaders gathered to celebrate the industry’s contributions, they also confronted hard truths about workforce shortages and rising costs that could undermine everything Connecticut manufacturing has built.
2025 Connecticut Manufacturing Report
The 2025 Connecticut Manufacturing Report is produced by CBIA and affiliates CONNSTEP and ReadyCT and made possible again this year through the generous support of RSM.
Connecticut’s long-standing reputation for manufacturing ingenuity and innovation remains central to the state’s economy. From the invention of the helicopter and the submarine to breakthroughs like anesthesia, the Polaroid camera, and household names like the Frisbee and Wiffle Ball, the state has a long history of shaping industry sectors and everyday life.
“We need more of a flow of information between industry and the administration before tariffs go into effect,” said John Murphy, a senior vice president and head of international trade policy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Four Manufacturers Awarded State Supply Chain Grants
Four Connecticut manufacturers were awarded $2.6 million in grants Oct. 28 through the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Strategic Supply Chain Initiative.
The $25 million grant program is intended to help supply chain companies in core industries expand and increase production capacity and encourage suppliers to bring operations to Connecticut.
DECD officials say the four projects awarded funding this week are expected to generate $12.5 million in capital investment and create 83 new jobs.
“The marketplace response to this program continues to be very strong,” said DECD commissioner Dan O’Keefe.
“I am especially encouraged by the fact that so many businesses see growth opportunities in our state and are making new investments to meet the rising demand for their products.”
2025 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut Winner Crowned
Simsbury-based Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense’s Frangible Joint—a key component in NASA space missions—is the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut for 2025.
The announcement was made today at the Connecticut Manufacturing Summit in Plantsville. This is the second year for the competition, which celebrates the state’s manufacturing industry and its world-class workforce.
“We are proud to represent the strength and creativity of our state’s manufacturing community,” said Ensign-Bickford’s Edris Raji.
Do you know a product that’s inventive and exceptionally well-made? Here’s your chance to shine a spotlight on it!
2025 Survey of Connecticut Businesses
CBIA’s 2025 Survey of Connecticut Businesses—the 23rd annual edition, made possible this year through the generous support of CBIZ, Inc.—captures business sentiment during a challenging time, with companies focused on innovation and optimization amid growing national and global uncertainty.
A year after the expiration of federal pandemic relief funding, Connecticut faces new fiscal pressures and longstanding structural challenges.
“This year’s survey shows growing concerns over unnecessary uncertainty generated by both federal and state policy decisions, particularly tariffs and the pivot by Connecticut policymakers away from the fiscal guardrails and no-tax policies that brought much-needed economic stability in recent years,” said Chris DiPentima, President & CEO, CBIA.
Manufacturing News
Local
- $10M Westminster Tool builds growth strategy on culture, training and diversification
- Sikorsky’s $10.9B CH-53K contract sparks hiring, investment and renewed optimism across CT’s aerospace sector
- Electric Boat acquires majority of Crystal Mall in Waterford
- Sergei Sikorsky, son of Sikorsky Aircraft founder, dies age 100
- Pratt moves key engine program to digital model-based design
- Pratt & Whitney wins $18M NATO engine contract
- GKN Aerospace expands in Newington with help of state grant
- New figures show Connecticut R&D activity above the national average
- University of New Haven advances new center at Railroad Salvage site after raising $10 million
- Central CT State Univ. pilots robotics apprenticeship with TRUMPF as model for systemwide ‘preferred employer program’
- Even as Priorities Shift, Supply Chain Sustainability Holds Steady
- Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut: Championship Round
National
- Quality Should Be a Strategic Lever, Not Just Compliance
- Inside the Rapid Rise of AI in Supply Chains
- SBA Waives Loan Fees for Small Manufacturers in Fiscal Year 2026
- Cybersecurity Report Reveals New Threat Landscape, Weaknesses in Manufacturing
- New US Standard for Industrial Robot Safety Is Released
- Factories Double Down on Smart Manufacturing
- Break Down Silos to Create a Culture of Continuous Improvement
- The Best Defense Against AI Cyberattacks? AI
Explore the Coolest Thing Made in CT exhibit, celebrate the ingenuity of Connecticut manufacturers, and connect with industry professionals in the dynamic settings of the Invention Dimension and Exploring Space exhibits.
- 1/8
- 4 pm-6 pm
- Hartford
CONNSTEP Events, Trainings, & Workshops
Manufacturing Resources
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.
- Data driven modeling, Smart Manufacturing (SM), High Performance Computing (HPC), energy assessments, training and funding resources.
This free program includes energy assessments, workforce development, technology workshops, trainings and funding opportunities.
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