CONNSTEP Newsletter | August 2025

August 17, 2025

2025 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut Challenge

Voting begins August 21st!

 

The Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut is back!

 

After Electric Boat’s Virginia-Class submarine won the inaugural challenge last year, 16 different products are vying to be crowned the coolest thing made in Connecticut.

 

The 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut—led by the CBIA Foundation— celebrates the successes of the state’s vital manufacturing industry and highlights the wide range of products produced by our world-class, highly skilled workforce.

 

View here: https://www.cbia.com/news/manufacturing/coolest-thing-made-in-connecticut-2025

Building from Within: Forum Plastics’ Investment in Supervisory Training


Appreciating the importance of cultivating and retaining a skilled workforce, Forum Plastics strategically invests in its internal talent by broadening their knowledge base and further developing their skills.


They understand the pivotal role of effective managers in driving organizational value and significantly boosting team performance.


Learn More: https://www.connstep.org/case-study/building-from-within-forum-plastics-investment-in-supervisory-training/

Recent Blogs



CONNSTEP is pleased to announce the election of three new members to its board of directors, whose diverse insights will help further the organization’s mission as a trusted advisor and resource to Connecticut’s small and medium-sized manufacturers…..

Read this blog: https://www.connstep.org/news-media/news/connstep-welcomes-new-board-members/


Cyber threats are a constant and evolving danger for businesses of all sizes.

The manufacturing industry, particularly smaller manufacturers with valuable data and often limited defenses, is the number one target for cyberattacks across all sectors.

A critical, often unseen, risk is that cyber attackers may already be lurking within company systems, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.

This pervasive threat raises a crucial question for every business leader: Is your organization truly protected?….

Read this blog: https://www.connstep.org/news-media/news/the-urgent-reality-of-cyber-threats-and-manufacturing/

Related article: Connecticut Launches Grant Program to Help Manufacturers Tackle Federal Cybersecurity Compliance

Upcoming Events


Training

Lean for Manufacturers 

A one-day comprehensive introduction to core Lean principles and practices.

Date: Thursday, September 18

Time: 8:30 am-3:30pm

Location: Cromwell


Training

Supervisor Bootcamp

An immersive workshop on becoming an effective and successful supervisor.

Date: Fridays, September 19-October 31

Time: 8 am-12 noon

Location: MASC, Waterbury


Training

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 (CMMC) Bootcamp

An in-depth dive into mastering CMMC requirements implementation.

Date: Thursdays, October 2-October 30

Time: 8:30 am-12 noon

Location: Windsor


Training

Supply Chain Champion Program 

A two-day program that provides a comprehensive overview of key strategies and tools.

 Date: Friday, November 7 & 14

Time: 8 am-4 pm

Location: Mystic

More Upcoming Events


Manufacturing Resources


CT SMARTE

Connecticut Smart Manufacturing Assessment & Access to Reduce Technology Emissions (CT SMARTE) is a free pilot program designed to accelerate the adoption of Smart Manufacturing and High-Performance Computing technologies for CT small and mid-sized manufacturers to reduce their energy consumption and advance manufacturing. 

The application is quick and free to complete. Key benefits: energy savings, smart manufacturing access support, HPC-based modeling, workforce training, and access to customized tools.

 

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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