CONNSTEP Newsletter | December 2024

December 2, 2024
Worker in yellow jacket, hat, and face mask, amidst falling snow;

Recent Blogs


The Power of an Engaged, Continuous Improvement Culture in Manufacturing

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving manufacturing landscape, companies must do more than just keep up with technological advancements; they must also foster an engaged workforce that drives innovation from within.

Read more: https://www.connstep.org/news-media/the-power-of-an-engaged-continuous-improvement-culture-in-manufacturing/

Manufacturing.gov – Manufacturing Opportunities

Redesigned and reimagined by a collective team of industry experts at the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network, the revamped website is the go-to venue to learn more about manufacturing in the USA.

Read this blog: https://www.connstep.org/news-media/manufacturing-gov-manufacturing-opportunities/

Upcoming Training & Events


Networking ï»¿
Manufacturing Meetup: Innovation & Industry
Date: January 9, 2025
Time: 4:00-6:00 pm
Location: Connecticut Science Center

Training | Workshops
Supervisor Bootcamp
Date: Fridays, January 10-February 28
Time: 8 am-12 pm
Location: Cromwell

Training | Workshops
Continuous Improvement Champion Certification (CICC)-Spring 2025
Date: Tuesdays, March 11-May 20
Time: 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Location: Cromwell

Training | Workshops
Quality Essentials Program – Spring 2025
Date: Tuesdays, April 3-May 8
Time: 9 am-3 pm
Location: Cromwell

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.
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.
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