Bead Electronics Recovers Weeks After Severe Storm

Less than three weeks after a powerful storm packing 100-plus mph winds caused extensive damage to Bead Electronics’ Milford manufacturing facility, operations are back up and running.

The Aug. 13 storm ripped the roof from a large portion of the building, collapsed part of an adjoining warehouse, and damaged the inventory and shipping areas.

The storm also severed a main fire sprinkler line, flooding the facility’s factory and office areas.

Fortunately, no employees were in the building when the storm struck, and no one was injured.

“We knew from the first morning that our number one priority—after making sure everyone was safe—was getting this business operating again as quickly as humanly possible,” said Bead Industries CEO Jill Mayer.

Rapid Recovery

The damage left the company completely offline and without electricity.

Structural engineers, building officials, and remediation crews came in to stabilize the property.

“Our team never stopped moving forward.”

Bead Industries’ Jill Mayer

The company also had to empty and demolish some sections of the facility.

Before employees could safely return, Bead had to reinforce walls, repair the roof, complete water and mold remediation, and clean, evaluate, and test manufacturing equipment.

“There were days when the amount of work ahead of us felt overwhelming, but our team never stopped moving forward,” Mayer said.

‘Incredible Sight’

The company also established temporary warehousing and shipping operations nearby.

After 19 business days, crews were able to restore electricity and employees safely returned to the facility to restart operations.

Bead is now producing parts on many of its machines while continuing to bring additional equipment and capacity online.

“Seeing our machines running and parts coming off the line again is a pretty incredible sight.”

Mayer

“We still have a backlog to work through and plenty of work ahead, but seeing our machines running and parts coming off the line again is a pretty incredible sight,” Mayer said.

Mayer credited the quick recovery to the determination of Bead’s employees, many of whom are working extra hours to get the company back on track.

“Our employees demonstrated an incredible level of resilience, loyalty, and teamwork,” Mayer said.

“They showed up every day ready to solve the next problem and do whatever was necessary to get us closer to reopening.”

Community Support

Mayer, who is also a member of CBIA’s board of directors, expressed appreciation for Bead’s customers, suppliers, contractors, first responders, local officials, and the broader manufacturing community.

“We often talk about the resilience of Connecticut businesses, but what the team at Bead accomplished in less than three weeks is extraordinary,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima.

“Coming back from the destruction of a facility takes leadership, perseverance, innovation, and the support of an entire community.

“Bead’s rapid recovery is a testament to the determination of its employees.”

CBIA’s Chris DiPentima

“Bead’s rapid recovery is a testament to the determination of its employees and the outpouring of support it received from businesses across Connecticut.”

For Mayer, a fifth-generation leader of the family business, the recovery carried particular significance.

“This wasn’t just about repairing a building,” she said.

“It was about protecting a fifth-generation family business, taking care of the people who depend on it, and making sure we could continue serving customers who depend on the parts we manufacture.”