New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
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g n i r u t c a f u n ma Fall 2014
W O N The stories behind an industry with a history – and a bright future
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New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
Acme Monaco provides quality parts since 1947 By ROBERT STORACE STAFF WRITER
NEW BRITAIN — Founded as Acme Spring, Inc. in 1947, Acme Monaco has been a leader in providing parts and materials to the medical community, industrial aircrafts and mega-companies like city-based Stanley Black & Decker. Two years ago Acme, which has its world headquarters on Winchell Road, opened up a new 7,300-squarefoot warehouse in the back of the building for manufacturing stamping products. “The base of our business is the same, except we have more customers, which caused us to expand,” Executive Vice President Rebecca Karabin-Ahern said in a recent interview. Acme, which has experienced strong sales growth in recent years, also has business with markets in Europe, Asia, Canada and South America. It opened an office in Singapore — the only one in that country to manufacture medical guidewires (used in pacemakers and for valve
replacements) — in 2007. Back at home, the company is currently looking for workers who have experience with spring making; and tool and die making; among others. “A lot of time we’ll hire temps who become full-timers,” President Thomas Sebastian said in a recent interview. “We realize there’s a need for skilled workers; so, we do a lot of on-the-job training.”
ABOUT ACME Company: Acme Monaco Founded: In 1947 as Acme Spring, Inc.; purchased by the Karabin family in 1965 which still runs the company. Number of employees: 224 worldwide, including 124 in Connecticut. Primary Markets Served: The company makes parts for a variety of products to the following fields, among others: electronics, defense, medical, industrial hardware and automotive. Located: 75 Winchell Rd. Phone Number: (860) 2241349 Acme Monaco Corporation’s newly expanded section of the New Britain company.
Mike Orazzi | Staff
New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
NESMA has a long history in the industry
The concept of NESMA began in 1956, interestingly enough, with the same purpose that it serves today. In February of 1956, 18 spring company owners got together for the purpose of forming an association that would assist in the development of a technical labor force. Today the board of NESMA works almost exclusively on this same goal. Wo r k i n g through 1956 and into 1957 several organizational meetings occurred. A constitution and a set of by-laws were developed with the tenets of the labor force development and cooperation with The National Association of Spring Manufacturers as the driving forces. On April 10, 1957 a charter meeting was held with 19 members present. The constitution and by-laws were ratified and NESMA was officially created. At the June 11, 1957 the officers were elected. The first President was G. Donald Jacobson of Newcomb Spring and the Vice-President was Frederick R. Downs Jr. of Humason Manufacturing Company. The original name for which
the acronym NESMA stood was New England Spring Manufacturers Association. However, over the years, a large portion of the NESMA members were actually metal stampers and spring manufacturers. It was therefore decided to change the name from Spring Manufacturers to The New E n g l a n d Spring & Metalstampers Association. The constitution and by-laws were again revised in April of 1960 to designate NESMA as a division of the national association. In 1973 NESMA formalized its desire to create a better workforce by partnering with The City of Bristol and the State of Connecticut to create a Spring Training program using High Schools as facilities for the program. Equipment was lent to the High Schools and a curriculum was developed. 30 Students were enrolled. Unfortunately, as the years went on, grant money dried up and the program faltered. NESMA was nevertheless persistent in its original purpose. Therefore early in 2006 NESMA once again began organizing a program.
“In February of 1956, 18 spring company owners got together for the purpose of forming an association that would assist in the development of a technical labor force.”
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Manufacturing needs young degree holders
Kevin Bartram | Staff
SPX worker Antwan Marshall, right, talk to U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, as Blumenthal tours SPX Precision Components. By SCOTT WHIPPLE STAFF WRITER
HARTFORD — If Connecticut manufacturers are to remain competitive, they need to address the shortage of individuals with engineering and other four-year STEM —science, technology, engineering and mathematics — degrees. That’s the admonition from Judy Resnick, executive director, Connecticut B u s i n e s s & Industry A s s o c i a t i o n’s Education Fo u n d a t i o n . Resnick, who lent a strong voice to the JUDY RESNICK 2014 Survey Executive Director of Connecticut Manufacturing Workforce Needs, said the state is “starting to make progress in developing a pipeline of entry-level manufacturing employees due to employee retirement and company growth. But, we need to make similar strides at the next level.” The challenge the state faces is that too few young people seem interested in pursuing careers in manufacturing. Those who do often fall short in the technical and/or basic skills necessary to succeed.
Resnick views essential job skills in two ways. The first is Employability. Can you show up for work on time? Can you work with others as a team member? Are you a good problem-solver, an analytical thinker? “With the advent of lean manufacturing, manufacturing work is no longer solitary,” Resnick says. Lean is the continuous effort by a company or work section to eliminate or reduce activities that fail to add value to a product or process. The second way is technical skills which require knowledge of science, advanced math, blueprints, Computer Numerically Controlled machining and other computer-based skills. According to Resnick, the financial rewards are considerable. Entry level jobs with some college pay between $34,000 to $45,000; $12 to $16 an hour, plus overtime. College graduates can start from $58,000 to $65,000; $80,000 to $110,000 after two years on the job. With only a high school education workers in manufacturing can start
“With the advent of Lean Manufacturing, manufacturing work is no longer solitary.”
between $28,000 and $39,000 a year. As for industry sectors needs, Resnick cites aviation, Pratt & Whitney and Sikorsky; defense, General Dynamics Electric Boat: and medical instrumentation, Acme-Monaco, New Britain and other companies. So, how does the state create a manufacturing workforce for the 21st century? Karen WosczynaBirch may have the answer. The executive director of the Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing, National Science Foundation Center of Excellence, says the state is “establishing partnerships where industry identifies the skills needed for next generation manufacturing, and higher education is responsive in developing … credentials that incorporate these competencies.” Most industry savants agree that a robust manufacturing sector is critical to building the state’s economic future. James Torgerson, president and CEO of New Haven-based UIL Holdings Corp., says Connecticut needs “a well-prepared, educated workforce to compete successfully in the global marketplace.” And the key? Linking academic success to manufacturing’s workplace needs.
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New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
Plymouth Oil Service Inc. won’t leave you in the cold By SUSAN CORICA STAFF WRITER
PLYMOUTH — Plymouth Oil Service Inc. has been family owned and operated for over 40 years. It was founded in 1956 by Stephen Adamovich. In 1969 Chet Scoville bought it, then in 2000 his son, Chet Scoville Jr., took over the business located at 25 Burr Road, The full service oil company provides automatic deliveries of home heating oil, as well as diesel fuel, complete heating installations and maintenance, and underground storage removal. Flexible payment options and premium heated oil fuel products are some options that set the company apart from discount oil companies, according to the company’s website. “We’re pretty competitive with our COD prices compared with the others in the area,” said Sheri Strickland, office manager. The company has 24/7 emergency on-call technicians for Preferred Plan members as well as its very own bulk storage tank on site, something few local dealers have.
ABOUT PLYMOUTH OIL Company Name: Plymouth Oil Service Inc. Owner: Chet Scoville Jr. Address: 25 Burr Road, Plymouth, CT 06782-0297 Phone: (860) 283-6651 Fax: (860) 283-0773 Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Having a bulk storage tank means there is fuel available in cases of emergency need, the company can make small deliveries of less than 100 gallons if needed, and it helps keep a competitive edge for customers because when the price of fuel rises the company’s inventory may still be available at a lesser cost. Another perk is a fuel additive the company uses, which prevents the growth of unwanted bacteria in an oil tank. “The additive really has cut down on service calls dramatically since
they’ve been using it for years now,” Strickland said. “It keeps the filters a lot cleaner, because there’s not as much build up of sludge in the tanks.” “We do a lot of business by word of mouth,” she added. “We have a long term customers, mostly in Terryville and Plymouth, and we have a lot in Bristol and some in Thomaston.” Over the years, Plymouth Oil has also been a supporter to many organizations in Plymouth and Bristol, including the Bristol and Plymouth police departments, Terryville Little League, the Terryville Lions Club, the Terryville Fire Department, Terryville First Congregational Church, Terryville Boys Club, Terryville Fish & Game Club, the Terryville Nursery School fundraiser raffle, and the Plymouth Community Food Pantry. The company supports has also donated fuel oil to a needy family in the area, and supported the United Way. For more information, visit www. Kevin Bartram | Staff Plymouth Oil owner Chet Scoville is shown at the business at 25 Burr Road. plymouthoilct.com.
48 Spring Lane Farmington, CT 06032 P: 860.677.1341 F: 860.677.7199 www.ctspring.com
CSS is a Connecticut manufacturer of metal stampings, fine blanked stampings, Fourslide produced parts, CNC machined parts, springs and assemblies. Progressive and short run tooling along with gages are built in house to support our processes. Engineering and production of critical parts for Aerospace, Medical, Firearms, Government & Defense, Consumer Products and other markets.
www.ctspring.com
Excellent career paths Internal Apprenticeship Programs Tool & Die Makers
• Excellent career paths • Internal Apprenticeship Programs • Tool & Die Makers • Set-Up specialists in all divisions • Quality inspectors • Employee Self Directed Work Teams have helped CSS continue to grow in recent years • Established in 1939 continues to be family owned with over 480 employees • Re investment in state of the art manufacturing and inspection equipment • Safety, Quality and Operational Excellence are promoted throughout our company • CSS invests in the continuous improvement of our core competencies, as well as in the exploration of new technologies and capabilities. All this makes CSS a great place to work. A place where you can be part of a dynamic team that allows you to grow and to realize your professional goals.
New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
Monday, September 29, 2014 | 5
MANUFACTURING NOW
Bright future for domestic manufacturing “If you need a component and it is made in the U.S. you don’t have a language barrier, there’s minimal travel involved, it is easier to send an engineer over if there are any problems.”
NESMA to screen film on manufacturing at Bristol Central By BRIAN M. JOHNSON STAFF WRITER
BRISTOL — The New England Spring and Metal Stamping Association hopes to show that the future of domestic manufacturing is bright with their screenings of “The American Made Movie” at Bristol Central High School Oct 2. The documentary, co-directed by Nathaniel McGill and Vincent Vittorio and produced by philanthropist Clyde Strickland, will be screened from 9 to 11 a.m. and 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the high school at 480 Wolcott St. Some 700 students, many of whom will be bused in from Plainville, Wolcott and other surrounding towns, will attend the first screening. The second screening is open to the general public. Michael Brault, vice president
Mark DiVenere CEO of GEMCO touring his facility with staff from Bristol Board of Education.
of operations at Ultimate NiTi Technologies at 200 Central St. and NESMA board member, pushed for the screenings. NESMA’s future president as of January 1 2015, Brault said he heard about the film from the Smaller Manufacturers Association and NESMA bought the rights to show
it. The screening is also supported by The Main Street Community Foundation, the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce and the Bristol Board of Education. Depending on how well attended the screenings are, he said NESMA may sponsor additional showings at local schools.
“I think it is a very accurate film and honestly done,” said Brault. “It talks about outsourcing led to the downfall of American manufacturing, and how now it is starting to come back. It also teaches the importance of buying American made products.” Brault said manufacturing has
MICHAEL BRAULT VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS AT ULTIMATE NITI TECHNOLOGIES
started to come back to the U.S. because the benefits of outsourcing are being squeezed. “As China develops a middle class and becomes an industrial power, the costs of overseas shipping and manufacturing are going up,” he said. Brault said there are multiple See MANUFACTURING, Page 9
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New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
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TRUMPF Group is a worldwide manufacturing leader By JOHNNY J. BURNHAM STAFF WRITER
FARMINGTON — For nearly a century the TRUMPF Group, and its many subsidiaries and branch offices, has been a worldwide leader in manufacturing, sending its products across the globe. The German-based company has no intentions of slowing down. In fact, it’s growing. In the 2014 fiscal year — which ended June 30 — TRUMPF sales exceeded €2.5 billion (Euros) for the first time. TRUMPF Inc., located at 111 Hyde Road in Farmington, is the North American headquarters of the TRUMPF Group. “We’ve seen very strong growth,”
ABOUT TRUMPF Company age: 90 North American HQ: 111 Hyde Road, Farmington World HQ: Ditzingen, Germany Products: Machine tools, power tools, laser technology, medical technology, electronics. Website: www.trumpf.com
said TRUMPF President Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller at the presentation of the preliminary figures earlier this year. TRUMPF’s best sales year equates to approximately $3.12 billion. It has 56 subsidiaries and branch offices and more than 9,500 employees worldwide. The TRUMPF Group is a world leader in sheet metal fabrication machinery and industrial lasers. The Farmington headquarters is responsible for approximately 626 employees. TRUMPF Inc. is the largest subsidiary within the TRUMPF Group and is one of the largest manufacturers of fabricating machinery in the United States. TRUMPF Inc. is dedicated to serving the U.S., Canadian and Mexican market needs in the areas of fabricating machinery, OEM lasers, laser marking, electronics and medical technology. TRUMPF Inc. is also a promoter of the manufacturing industry and will take part in national MFG Day on Oct. 3, holding two seminars in which participants can “witness the production of a part on TRUMPF sheet metal fabricat-
One of the laster machines used by TRUMPF.
ing machines.” MFG DAY addresses common misperceptions about manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors
and show, in a coordinated effort, what manufacturing is — and what it isn’t. By working together during and after MFG DAY, manufacturers will begin to address the skilled
labor shortage they face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.
P 860-436-2938 F 860-436-2981 C 860-539-9280
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New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
Monday, September 29, 2014 | 7
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SMA provides networking and education
Cyndi Zoldy, executive director of the association and wife BRISTOL —— Since 1949, the of the association’s President John Smaller Manufacturers Association Zoldy, said meetings are typically of Connecticut has provid- held the second Monday of every ed networking and educational month excluding holidays. She opportunities said an average for local manof 85 to 110 ufacturers and people attend, has lobbied to depending on make the state a the speaker and more attractive the time of year. business envi“Most of ronment. our members The associawould say that tion represents manufacturing 138 firms with in Connecticut more than JOHN ZOLDY is stable,” she 6,000 employ- PRESIDENT OF SMALL MANUFACsaid. “There is ees. They hold TURERS ASSOCIATION a movement of monthly meettrying to engage ings in Greater the community Waterbury, which offer network- so that they understand manufacing opportunities and tips for turing. However, I wouldn’t say marketing, government, lean man- we are gaining as much as some ufacturing and leadership. They people would like to think. Some also have influential guest speak- of our members have had a hard ers, such as Catherine Smith, the time finding qualified employees commissioner of the Connecticut for entry level positions.” Department of Economic and “We have a lot of steady, good Community Development. work but we could always use By BRIAN M. JOHNSON STAFF WRITER
“We want Connecticut to be ranked as one of the top 20 places in the nation to do business.”
March SMA speaker Tom Foley with SMA NVCC Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center Students of the month.
more,” said John Zoldy. “Right now manufacturing is skewed towards older, skilled employees. We have been focusing on more job training and apprenticeship programs to fill that void. We have many members who volunteer several hours each month on state and local boards to help reach that goal.” Cyndi Zoldy said the association has also lobbied for the state to eliminate some of their corporate
taxes. “Manufacturers here are taxed for a lot of things, which makes it difficult to keep their business here,” she said. “We don’t have a lot of the tax incentives that they do down south.” “One of our goals as an organization is the 20 by 17 campaign,” said John Zoldy. “We want Connecticut to be ranked as one of the top 20 places in the nation to do business.
Right now, unfortunately, we are ranked either last or second to last. We need to become more a more attractive, innovative and cost-effective place to do business.” The association is now working to develop a new legislative agenda for the current fiscal year. Last year, they successfully pushed for more apprenticeship credits and the creation of a manufacturing See MEMBERSHIP, Page 9
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New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
From basement to business By ERICA SCHMITT STAFF WRITER
When George Castle encounters a problem, he invents a solution. He left his job at the Barnes Group, Inc. in Bristol to start his own company from his basement in Terryville. That was 1986. Now, almost 30 years later, Castle Technologies has grown into Advanced Torque Products, a leading manufacturer of torque wrenches and calibration systems and a mainstay for leading aerospace manufacturers like Sikorsky, Pratt & Whitney, Aircraft Boeing, even NASA. “I’m a million-miler with American Airlines and Delta, so when I fly I know that our wrenches were responsible for torquing their engines and I feel very comfortable,” Castle says. The company recently expanded into a 19,000-square-foot. facility in an industrial area of Newington, where all products are manufactured. Doing it in-house cuts leeway time in half and ensures quality, according to Castle. Competitive prices, quality, ergonomics and accuracy are what the company prides itself in. “If you are under- or over-torqued it translates into less life out of the engine,” Castle explains. “The more accurate the torque, the longer the engine life and the better the performance.” That’s why Advanced Torque is also trusted by the U.S. military as sole provider of torque wrenches. Castle is particularly proud of this
feat, since he is a Vietnam veteran and U.S commander of the FrancoAmerican War Veterans. But the company is also working on going global. As vice president, Castle’s son, Dan, is slated to fill the lead spot and is already introducing Advanced Torque Products to Russia, Europe, China and Japan. “My dad can finally start enjoying the work he’s spent his whole life building,” he says. The elder Castle encourages other entrepreneur-hopefuls to follow their own dreams, starting by hiring a credible patent attorney. “So many people out there have a good idea but they don’t know what to do with it,” he says. “That’s the American dream. Don’t let your dreams go down because they’re a lot closer in reach than they seem.”
ABOUT ADVANCED Company: Advanced Torque Location: 56 Budney Road, Newington Founded: Terryville in 1986 by George Castle Product: Digitally-controlled torque wrenches and calibration systems used by the U.S. Military and leading aerospace manufacturers ∎ 14 employees ∎ Eleven patented products, two patents pending ∎ Featured on William Shatner’s “Heartbeat of America”
Kevin Bartram | Staff
George Castle, right, owner of Advanced Torque in Newington, produces wrenches and calibration units used in the aerospace and other industries. Castle’s son, Dan Castle, left, is the company’s vice president.
Advanced Torque in Newington produces wrenches and calibration units used by aerospace manufacturers such as Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, Sikorsky, Boeing and other industries.
Kevin Bartram | Staff
New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
MANUFACTURING NOW
Monday, September 29, 2014 | 9
Manufacturing looks to have a strong future
tory because things can be supplied “People have this idea that advantages to buying American quickly and easily,” he explained. factory jobs are dark, dirty, and made products, and that 80 percent “When you’re manufacturing from low-paying,” he said. “That visuof every dollar spent locally goes back half a world away, you’re looking at al is completely inaccurate in the into the economy. This, he said, cre- holding 16 weeks of inventory to modern factory. They are brightly ates economic booms like lit, high tech, and have there were 40 to 50 years great benefits and wages. ago during Bristol’s manuThe average workfacturing heyday. er makes $75,000 to “China and third world $80,000 a year, which is countries don’t respect patsignificantly higher on ents and copyrights,” he MICHAEL BRAULT average than the salary said. “If you are coming up VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS AT ULTIMATE NITI of a four-year college with a new technology and TECHNOLOGIES graduate. Plus, you don’t producing it overseas they have the $200,000 debt. will copy it and sell it around the protect yourself in case of a problem. Many jobs will also help you to world. That can be very expensive and takes continue your education to ensure “If you need a component and it up a lot of space for storage.” that you’ll remain on the cutting is made in the U.S. you don’t have Brault said that the future of man- edge of technology.” a language barrier, there’s minimal ufacturing is looking up, as long as For more information about travel involved, it is easier to send an companies stay at the forefront of the film, visit theamericanmaengineer over if there are any prob- technology and as long as there is demovie.com or call the Central lems, and you probably only need training available for new people Connecticut Chambers of Mark DiVenere CEO of GEMCO touring his facility with staff from Bristol Board of Education and Jim Albert from Central CT Chambers of commerce. to stock up on two weeks of inven- entering the workforce. Commerce at (860) 584-4718. Continued from Page 5
“China and third world countries don’t respect patents and copyrights.”
Membership is open
Continued from Page 7
reinvestment account. The account is a $30 million fund, which is being used to support education and apprenticeship programs for manufacturing jobs. The association has a collaborative venture for legislative purposes with NewHavenManufacturers Association and METAL to comprise the Connecticut Association of Smaller Manufacturers. Lobbying services are provided by MP Guinan SMA hosted the “American Made Movie” premier at Naugatuck Valley Community College and Mayor Neil O’Leary, far right, of Associates of Hartford. Waterbury sent more than 600 students. Membership in the Smaller Manufacturers beneficial to manufacturing 100 or more employees. For Association is open to manu- companies may also join, but non-manufacturers dues are facturers in Connecticut who non-manufacturing compa- $375 for 1 to 15 employees have 500 of fewer employ- nies are limited to 30 percent and $625 for 16 or more ees and who manufacture of the total members. employees. a product with a Standard Dues are $200 for manFor more information Industrial Classification ufacturers with 1 to 15 call Cyndi Zoldy at (203) between 2000 and 3999. employees, $310 for 16 to 575-0711 or email her at Businesses in Connecticut 50 employees, $425 for 51 to admin@sma-ct.com or visit that are supportive and 99 employees and $475 for sma-ct.com.
Acme Monaco was founded in 1947 by Mr. Harold Davies and was purchased by the Karabin Family in 1965. The company is headquartered in New Britain, Connecticut with satellite facilities in Presque Isle, Maine and The Republic of Singapore. Acme Monaco is a world leader in custom manufacturing of catheter guidewires, orthodontic products, springs, and stampings for various industries. The company is owned by Michael J. Karabin and his children Rebecca Karabin-Ahern and Lucas Karabin. Acme Monaco has over 200 team members globally. Acme Monaco is dedicated to the community and supports the New Britain/Berlin YMCA, United Way, Klingberg Family Centers, Lions International, Rotary, Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, as well as Junior Achievement. For more information, please visit our website at www.acmemonaco.com
Acme Monaco World Headquarters 75 Winchell Road, New Britain, CT
10 | Monday, September 29, 2014
MANUFACTURING NOW
New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
New Britain was once the ‘Hardware City of the World’ Kevin Bartram | Staff
A Fafnir Bearing Company worker.
Where did the jobs go? By SCOTT WHIPPLE STAFF WRITER
NEW BRITAIN — Faced with the question: Where have all the manufacturing jobs gone? Tim Stewart agreed with New Britain Industrial Museum’s Director, Karen Hudkins. The former Mayor and president of the Greater New Britain-Berlin Chamber of Commerce said when the 40,000 plus jobs left New Britain’s factories “people thought we lost everything. No way; the shift was from the large employers to smaller manufacturers. The Landers & Frary and Clarks were supplanted by a lot of small- to midsize manufacturers who are employing a large segment of that population today.” Stewart cited Admill Machine that started with 6 employees and now employ 75 to 80 workers and is expected to double in size in the next three years. However, he admits that with many smaller manufacturers in the city a skills gap needs to be bridged. “The business is here, but we’re having a challenge filling the positions with hi-tech machinists,” Stewart said. As a result, companies are forming partnerships with vocational technical schools, high schools and community colleges in the area, rearranging their curricula to become more job relevant. “I think we’ll see the payback in a few years,” Stewart said.
Kevin Bartram | Staff
A worker at New Britain Machine Company. By SCOTT WHIPPLE STAFF WRITER
New Britain can expect maybe 5,000 manufacturing jobs, but spread out among smaller machine shops, firms that supply the Pratt & Whitneys and General Electrics. “We tend to think America is defined by the go-go ’60s, the baby Boom Generation,” says Hudkins. “But, that was a bubble, a blip in
NEW BRITAIN — Remembering when New Britain was “the Hardware City of the World,” one blue collar worker recalled that “[Corbin] was such a big factory that we rode chariots and bicycles through it.” When New Britain was, in fact, the mother lode of Northeastern manufacturing 35,000 people were employed by its factories. In 1943 Look magazine ran a feature about the KAREN HUDKINS city’s industry as a way of Director of the New Britain Industrial Museum teaching factories in other states how New Britain replaced its men in the military by relying on Rosie the American history. Face it: Children Riveter and her “sisters.” are not always going to do better So much for this brief stroll down financially than their parents.” manufacturing’s memory lane and On the other hand, that old chestthose vaunted names: Corbin, nut that New Britain is not what it Fafnir Bearing. Landers, Frary used to be blinds many people to & Clark, New Britain Machine, what’s really happening here. North & Judd. Russell & Irwin “If you’re blinded, you will never and so on. see the possibilities of this man”We’re never again going to have ufacturing community,” Hudkins a community where you build a fac- cautions. tory that provides 5,000 jobs,” says Like what? Karen Hudkins, director of the New Like Westbrook Industries that Britain Industrial Museum. “Those makes a special tool that installs days are over.” and maintains engines for UTC. According to Hudkins, a city like “They’re so busy they can’t take on
any more work,” Hudkins says. Like ERA Replica Automobiles that sells 12 to 15, $90,000 cars a year in New Britain. Like CT Shotgun that attracts out-of-state buyers. Judy Resnick, executive director, Connecticut Business & Industry Association Foundation, points out that companies like Acne-Monaco
in New Britain and manufacturers operating in the area. Museum Director Karen Hudkins says, “We thought during Connecticut Manufacturing Month it was time to create an exhibit featuring current manufacturers.” The museum’s permanent collection includes several contemporary manufacturers and producers, Acme-Monaco, Avery’s Beverages, CT Shotgun, ERA Replica Automobiles, Guida’s Milk & Ice Cream, The New Britain Herald, Okay Industries, Peter Paul Electronics and Stanley Black & Decker. In the next couple of weeks Hudkins will be contacting other local manufacturers to determine if they are interested in participating in the exhibit, “The museum strives to be a bridge between New Britain’s past, present and future,” Hudkins says. “Our mission is to increase pride in the community and inspire the next generation. This exhibit will be a great showcase demonstrating that invention, innovation and manufacturing expertise have never left New Britain; we’re excited about presenting examples of what is made here now.”
“People get discouraged about foreign competition, but we forget our strength is in inventiveness, innovation and willingness to take risks.”
make specialty dental items that can’t be manufactured in Mainland China. And, most spring companies in the Greater Bristol Area have created their own unique footprints. “People get discouraged about foreign competition, but we forget our strength is in our inventiveness, innovation and willingness to take risks,” Hudkins says. “Replicating something is not the same thing as innovating it.” On Saturday, Oct. 11, The New Britain Industrial Museum will open an exhibit showcasing the range of items currently manufactured
New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
Monday, September 29, 2014 | 11
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‘Family values’ at core of coil maker
A real future at Future Mfg.
medical equipment as well children also have worked in and aircraft and home applithe factory at some point. Bo- as the company is now 77, still puts ances. Sirois said BRISTOL — Future Manu- roski, who has about 50 regular customat the factory. been facturing Inc. was started by in time 30 people ers, some of which have to 20 are There one with 1983 Denis Boroski in them from the at Future, but there working with dream: to provide a future for working g. beginnin 75, and 50 between used to be his three daughters. “It has definitely grown,” “The name has no signifi- said Sirois. Roy. “We’ve been Located at 75 Center Street said Michele cance to ‘Back to the Future’ Departure able to produce more intricate New old the in Pam said ” that, or anything like work than when we started; produccompany the building, what we do Sirois, administrative assistant e coils as well as we are better at and daughter of Boroski. “One es handmad ago. We still do processing and other than 30 years night we sat in the basement leadwire ol ways, and that’s components. Individual the old-scho a produce and thought up a name, and related we stations are spread probably why he said the business was for his working ” the factory floor, and better product. kids and their futures, so that’s across ry instilled father machine her with said sit es Roy employe why he came up with it.” 80s to aid in the pro- “old-school values” to his Sirois has worked at Future from the of their partially hand- daughters since they were litin Bristol for 30 years doing ev- duction coils. Boxes filled with in- tle. made and coils making from erything coils are packed onto a “That’s the personal part of cleaning the factory to ad- dividual cart as Future prepares it when we talk to our customministrative work. Her sisters, flat bed its next order. being able to know who ers: Michele Roy, office manager, to complete The coils are used in a wide you are talking to and provide and Susan Boroski, production of items large and small, a homegrown business feel,” manager, also work at the fac- variety military tion, construc including grandRoy said. “We do have relationtory. Sirois said Boroski’s ships with our customers, and in bigger companies you usually don’t have that.” n Profiting from new Sirois agreed the familyn CAC Classes begin at the technology on owned style and process of EC Goodwin, Monday. shop floor seminar, production has given Future Info: 860-342-6682 Wednesday. unique qualities, which sepaInfo: 860-289-4482 rates it from larger businesses.
n Inside local businesses
By KASSONDRA GRANATA STAFF WRITER
Manufacturing in Bristol. The Center Michele Roy tins wire leads at Future 31st year in business. (Below) Alex Street company is celebrating their Future Manufacturing in Bristol. The Car-bonell wraps wire onto spools at their 31st year in business. Center Street company is celebrating
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