CONNSTEP Newsletter | September 2024

September 8, 2024
Woman in red jacket beside a title card that reads

Recent Case Studies


First Pass Yield Improvement Creates Dramatic Reduction in Lead Time

“The biggest lesson we learned from this project is the importance of employee engagement. As more employees became involved, they saw the benefits of the improvements firsthand. They enjoyed sharing ideas, being heard, and seeing their suggestions implemented. It was a rewarding experience for everyone.”
Rich Merlino, President & CEO, Modelcraft Company

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


Value Stream Mapping Leads to Medical Device FDA Success

“CONNSTEP opened up our eyes to see where we can assign the UDI in the manufacturing process and get it to the finished level. The Value Stream Mapping clarified the process for us to help meet UDI requirements mandated by the FDA. It all resulted in being able to make appropriate investments and implement a successful UDI system.”

Zack Curello – Vice President/General Manager Ivy Biomedical Systems

Read this Case Study: https://www.connstep.org/case-study/value-stream-mapping-leads-medical-device-fda-success/


More Case Studies

Recent Blogs


Celebrating Manufacturing Excellence: The Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut

(Hartford, CT, September 6, 2024) – It is a first-of-its-kind competition for Connecticut – the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut.

Celebrating the excellence of the state’s manufacturing industry, this single-elimination bracket-style tournament lets the public vote on their favorite Connecticut-made products.

Read more: https://www.connstep.org/news-media/celebrating-manufacturing-excellence-the-coolest-thing-made-in-connecticut/

 

Round 2: Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut

What started with 16 incredible Connecticut-made products is now down to the final eight. The second round of voting is underway to find the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut.

Read this blog: https://www.cbia.com/news/manufacturing/round-2-coolest-thing-made-in-connecticut

Upcoming Training & Events


Training
Continuous Improvement Champion Certification (CICC)-Fall

Date: Tuesdays, September 10-December 3

Time: 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Location: Hartford, CT

Training
Supervisor Bootcamp-Fall

Date: Thursdays, September 13-November 8

Time: 8:30 am-12 noon

Location: Bristol, CT

Training
Continuous Improvement Champion Certification (CICC)-Spring

Date: Tuesdays, March 11-May 20

Time: 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Location: Cromwell, CT

More Upcoming Events 


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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Beekley Medical logo with text
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