CONNSTEP Newsletter | February 2025

Internal Quality Audit Puts Aerospace Manufacturer Back on Track to Compliance

“When I first started at this facility it was in a transition to new ownership so unfortunately some areas, such as internal auditing, were past due. There were also little to no resources available to conduct the audits. Having worked with CONNSTEP at my previous employer, I knew the value in having CONNSTEP cover this critical portion of the standard. CONNSTEP’s service provides objective and effective results without taxing existing or limited internal company resources.”

-Carlo Samartano, Quality Assurance Manager, Pursuit Aersopace

Read more: https://www.connstep.org/case-study/internal-quality-audit-puts-aerospace-manufacturer-back-on-track-to-compliance/

Lean Training Streamlines Operations for Home Bathroom Remodeling Manufacturer

“Working with CONNSTEP has been instrumental with starting the conversation around lean with our entire team and getting everyone on board with maximizing efficiencies and constant improvement. It’s forced us to look at all aspects of the business from accounting, production, customer services, and more to find the best possible way to provide the most for our customers as efficiently as possible. We were able to reimagine our space and avoid a $1 million addition to our facility by working with what we already have and cleaning up wasted areas and wasteful procedures.”

-Derek Hill, Sales Manager, Syn-Mar Products, Inc.

Read more: https://www.connstep.org/case-study/lean-training-streamlines-operations-for-home-bathroom-remodeling-manufacturer/

Recent Blogs

Breaking It Down – Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Explained

What is the MEP? And why should every small and medium-sized manufacturer in the United States and Puerto Rico know? Let’s break it down.
Headlines: Background, About, Mission, Partnerships, Impact, Funding Model, Value, Benefits, Contact

Read more:
https://www.connstep.org/news-media/breaking-it-down-manufacturing-extension-partnership-explained/

Coolest Night in Connecticut: The Manufacturing Community Comes Together to Celebrate Innovation and Industry

The Connecticut Science Center, a hub of creativity, inventiveness, and imagination, was the perfect backdrop for CONNSTEP’s Manufacturing Meetup: Innovation and Industry held on January 9.

Read this blog:
https://www.connstep.org/news-media/coolest-night-in-connecticut-the-manufacturing-community-comes-together-to-celebrate-innovation-and-industry/

Upcoming Training & Events

Webinar Series
“Top 10 Tips for Interviewing & Recruiting Talent”
Date: Thursday, February 20
Time: 11 am-12 noon
Location: Online

Training | Workshops
Supervisor Bootcamp – Milford
Date: Fridays, March 7-April 18
Time: 8 am-12 pm
Location: Milford

Training | Workshops
Continuous Improvement Champion Certification (CICC)
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

Training | Workshops
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Bootcamp
Date: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, May 13-May 27
Time: 8:30 am-12:00 pm
Location: Virtual

More Upcoming Events

• SMARTE Series: Revolutionize Your CNC Programming with Model-Based Definition | Wed, Feb 5 | 10:00 am-2:00 pm
• Healthcare Summit: Controlling the Cost Curve | Wed, Feb 12 | 8:30 am-11:45 am
• “Powering Production: Financial Resources for Manufacturers” Roundtable Discussion| Tues, Feb 25 | 9:00 am-11:00 am
• CBIA 2025 Human Resources Conference | Tues, Feb 25 | 8:30 am-2:45 pm
• “CMMC Rule & Compliance: What You Need to Know” Webinar | Wed, Mar 5 | 11:00 am-12:00 pm
• When Women Lead Happy Hour | Thu, Mar 6 | 4:00 pm-6:00 pm
• CT Manufacturing Careers Roadshow | May-October

Manufacturing News

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

• Career ConneCT
• CBIA
• CCAT
• Connecticut Manufacturing Ambassadors
• CONNEX Connecticut
• Connecticut Office of Manufacturing
• FORGE Connecticut
• Manufacturing Skills for Connecticut

Join the Newsletter Mailing List

Sign-up for our monthly newsletter below.

CONNSTEP Monthly Newsletter