2025 Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut Winner Crowned

October 1, 2025
Bracket-style competition chart for

Simsbury-based Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense’s Frangible Joint—a key component in NASA space missions—is the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut for 2025.


The announcement was made today at the Connecticut Manufacturing Summit in Plantsville.


This is the second year for the competition, which celebrates the state’s manufacturing industry and its world-class workforce.


Featuring 16 Connecticut-made products, the single-elimination, bracket-style competition allowed residents to vote on their favorite product.


Close Competition


The Frangible Joint is an essential component for space exploration and national defense.


The joint attaches the lower stage of a rocket to the upper stage and uses an explosive charge to precisely separate the two halves of the rocket after launch.


“We are honored that the Frangible Joint has been recognized as one of the Coolest Things Made in Connecticut,” said Ensign-Bickford interim president Edris Raji.

“We are proud to represent the strength and creativity of our state’s manufacturing community.”

Ensign-Bickford’s Edris Raji

“This recognition highlights not only the innovation and quality behind our product, but also the dedication and expertise of the EBAD team who make it possible every day.


“Participating in this competition has been an exciting opportunity to showcase Connecticut manufacturing at its best, and we are proud to represent the strength and creativity of our state’s manufacturing community.”


After more than 35,000 votes were cast, Ensign-Bickford narrowly edged out Munson’s Chocolate’s Pecan Caramel Patty by less than 40 votes to capture the title.


“This competition was filled with so many impressive products and companies which makes this recognition even more meaningful,” said Munson’s Chocolates president Karen Munson.


“Being a finalist for one of the Coolest Things Made in Connecticut is a proud moment for our company and a testament to the dedication of our employees. “It reflects their passion, craftsmanship, and commitment to our legacy brand which we have been cultivating over the past 79 years.”

Celebrating Manufacturing


The competition was presented by the CBIA Foundation in partnership with the business growth consulting firm CONNSTEP.


“With the remarkable diversity of manufacturing in Connecticut, it’s fitting that this competition came down to these two incredible products—one that showcases Connecticut’s precision manufacturing legacy and the other that highlights the state’s tradition of hand-crafted excellence,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima.


“Ensign-Bickford’s Frangible Joint is a worthy champion reflecting the company’s rich history of innovation and excellence.”


“The Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut competition is about more than a single winner,” added CONNSTEP president and CEO Beatriz Gutierrez.

“It’s fitting that this competition came down to these two incredible products.”

CBIA’s Chris DiPentima

“It’s a victory for our residents who gain a new understanding of the incredible range of products made right here in our state, and an appreciation for the talent, innovation, and vibrant manufacturing community that powers Connecticut every day.”


The products in the competition were chosen from nominations submitted by the public and business leaders.


Nominations for next year’s competition are open through the end of December.


The products featured in the 2025 Coolest Things Made in Connecticut will be celebrated in a new exhibit at the Connecticut Science Center scheduled to open later this month.

Bracket for a

The CBIA Foundation for Economic Growth & Opportunity is a 501(c)(3) organization created to address the evolving needs of Connecticut’s economy. The foundation’s primary goal is charting a course for sustained economic growth that drives further predictability and greater opportunity for all Connecticut residents. For more information, please contact Scott Beaulieu (860.244.1929).


The Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut challenge is made possible through the generous support of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, Image Marketing, Blue Back Square, Medtronic, the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing, and FORGE. Thank you to our exclusive media partner, WTNH News 8.

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.
Show More