By: Dean Simmons

The 2024 edition of the Connecticut Manufacturing Summit was a resounding success. Produced in collaboration with the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing, American Manufacturing Hall of Fame, CCAT, and CBIA, the event attracted just over 1,000 businesspeople from across the state. It featured the release of the 2024 Connecticut Manufacturing Report and a panel of manufacturing leaders discussing how to manage today’s economic and operational challenges.

 

Keynote speaker Ken Gronbach, a renowned demographer, futurist, and author, captivated the audience with his presentation, “Demographic Strategies for Uncertain Times.” His talk focused on forecasting markets and societal trends based on demographic research. Following him, Ben Armstrong, Executive Director of MIT’s Industrial Performance Center, discussed the impact of manufacturing automation, the challenges facing small and medium manufacturers, and recommended areas for investment.

 

Connecticut Manufacturing Report

The Connecticut Manufacturing Summit has become the platform for releasing and discussing the Connecticut Manufacturing Report, reviewing its findings and sharing best practices for navigating challenges and leveraging opportunities. It has also served to acknowledge and honor manufacturers in the state who have excelled in their industry.

 

This year’s report revealed that 80% of surveyed manufacturers still find it difficult to recruit and retain workers, a trend that has persisted for the past few years. Additionally, 87% noted rising business costs. As of August 2024, Connecticut manufacturers employed 157,800 people, representing 10.7% of the state’s total private-sector employment.

 

State Manufacturer Awards

CBIA President & CEO Chris DiPentima announced General Dynamics Electric Boat Virginia Class submarine as the winner of the inaugural “Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut” challenge, showcasing manufacturing excellence in the state, and narrowly beating out the Lockheed Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter by 150 votes.

 

CONNSTEP President & CEO Beatriz Gutierrez presented the 2024 Technology Innovation Award to Phoenix Manufacturing of Enfield, CT. This award recognizes small-to-medium Connecticut manufacturers that have demonstrated leadership in the development and adoption of innovative technologies that strengthen supply chains in the state. Phoenix, a woman-owned precision machined components manufacturer founded in 1989, has become a leading supplier to the aerospace industry. Their commitment to customer service is evident in their $5 million investment in new capital equipment over the past three years.

 

ReadyCT Executive Director Shannon Marimón presented the Pathway Award for Excellence in Manufacturing to Michael Joyce, a technology teacher at Tourtellotte Memorial High School in Thompson, CT. Joyce was recognized for modernizing instruction and establishing a mentorship program with professional welders from Electric Boat, which significantly increased student participation in welding programs.

 

ReadyCT also honored Paul Pelletier, an aerospace and manufacturing teacher at Middletown High School, with a posthumous award. Pelletier, who passed away in a plane crash on September 8, 2024, was praised for teaching his students about FAA Part 107, introducing them to the certification process to become an operator to fly drones.

 

The summit also celebrated significant achievements by state manufacturers with nearly two dozen companies presented with the U.S. Commercial Service’s Connecticut District Export Council Award.

 

Honoring Past Award Recipients

Last year, the U.S. Commercial Service and Connecticut District Export Council recognized outstanding contributors to state manufacturing exports. Goodway Technologies in Stamford, a recipient of the Connecticut District Export Award, was celebrated for its successful export strategies and commitment to global business growth.

 

In 2022, Amodex Products president Beverlee Dacey, a second-generation family business owner, accepted the Small Business New to Market Export award, recognizing her leadership in expanding the Bridgeport-based company’s exports to more countries, having recently added Panama, Canada, and Dubai to its list of export markets.

 

That same year, Beta Shim, a CNC manufacturing company with expertise in metal stamping and sheet metal fabrication for military and industrial sectors, received the Technology Innovation Award. With locations in Shelton and Trumbull, the company has a strong heritage of manufacturing shims and flat pattern sheet metal, achieving industry-leading quality levels.

 

Joseph Farrah, a teacher at Hartford Public High School, won the 2023 Pathway Award for Excellence in Manufacturing, recognizing his passion for guiding students through the Engineering and Green Technology Pathway. In 2022, the award went to Jaime Rechenberg, STEM supervisor at Bristol Public Schools, for her contributions to manufacturing education.

 

Closing Remarks

Reflecting on the achievements and progress of Connecticut’s manufacturing industry, CBIA’s DiPentima stated, “It’s critical that we work together to find solutions that create sustained economic growth, improve manufacturing career pathways and make Connecticut a more attractive and affordable place to live and work.”

 

CONNSTEP’s Gutierrez echoed his sentiments, highlighting the innovative spirit of Connecticut manufacturers and their significant impact across industries throughout the state, and CONNSTEP’s mission to be a dedicated resource for manufacturers to continue their success.