CONNSTEP Newsletter | June 2025

More Output, Same Footprint: Syn-Mar’s Lean Success

Connecticut’s manufacturers each face their own set of hurdles. For Syn-Mar Products in Ellington, the challenge was clear: increase the output of its grout-free shower wall systems and vanity tops while avoiding costly expansion.

View here: https://www.connstep.org/resources/client-spotlight/

Printing Company Drives Environmental Sustainability Through Efficiency

A leader in sustainable printing, Allied Printing is ISO 14001:2015 certified and recognized by People’s Action for Clean Energy for its Going Green initiative. The company reduces its environmental impact and improves efficiency through eco-friendly practices, including extensive recycling, a large solar array, energy-efficient lighting, an on-site fuel cell that contributes to a near-zero carbon footprint, and the exclusive use of vegetable-and soy-based inks.

Learn More: https://www.connstep.org/case-study/printing-company-drives-environmental-sustainability-through-efficiency/

Recent Blogs

Connecticut Launches Grant Program to Help Manufacturers Tackle Federal Cybersecurity Compliance

The increasing cyber threats facing manufacturers in today’s digital world underscore the critical, yet often costly and complex task of achieving cybersecurity compliance. This is particularly true for defense industry suppliers required to obtain Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).

Read this blog: https://www.connstep.org/news-media/news/connecticut-launches-grant-program-to-help-manufacturers-tackle-federal-cybersecurity-compliance/

Upcoming Events

Online Event
2025 CT Supplier Connection Direct Supplier Summit & MatchMaker
Date: Tuesday, June 11 & 12
Location: Online

Webinar Series
CT SMARTE
Date: Thursday, June 12
Time: 11 am-12 noon
Location: Online

impaCT Workshop
The Lean Turnaround presented by Art Byrne
Date: Wednesday, June 18
Time: 8 am-11:30 am
Location: Glastonbury

impaCT Workshop
New Haven | Cyber Threat Protection: Practical Defenses for Business
Date: Tuesday, June 24
Time: 8:30 am-11:00 am
Location: Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale

impaCT Workshop
Bristol | Cyber Threat Protection: Practical Defenses for Business
Date: Friday, June 27
Time: 8:30 am-11:00 am
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Conference
Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Forum
Date: Thursday, September 11
Time: 7:30 am-3:30 pm
Location: Connecticut Convention Center

More Upcoming Events

• CT Manufacturing Careers Roadshow | May-October
• HR Hotline Live: Hiring Practices | June 4
• National Civics Bee Connecticut State Finals | June 7
• Building a High Performance Team: CBIA Leadership Essentials | June 10
• The Diplomat + Luminary Award 2025 | June 10
• ManufactureCT Annual Golf Outing | June 10
• 2025 Energy & Environment Conference | June 11
• The 3rd Annual Cybersecurity Summit | June 17
• 2025 NESMA Golf Outing | August 25
  

Manufacturing News

• CT releases new manufacturing strategic plan; goal is to grow sector to 20% of GDP
• Governor Lamont Applauds Connecticut Robotics Teams for National Success, Celebrates Manufacturing Innovation Fund Investment in Youth Talent
• Connecticut FIRST Robotics Teams Perform at National Championship
• Made in Connecticut: Advance Manufacturing Technology
• CT Celebrates Manufacturers At ConneCTion Fair At Capitol
• First-ever CCAT Day at State Capitol showcases Connecticut’s manufacturing strengths
• CT company debuts $40M ‘smart factory.’ What that means for manufacturing and jobs
• What Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers Need to Know About Implementing CMMC 
• How Manufacturers Can Build a Sustainable, Local Workforce Pipeline
• SBA Announces Made in America Manufacturing Initiative 

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

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

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