CONNEX Supply Chain Platform Strengthens Manufacturing Ecosystem

02.02.2023
Manufacturing

CONNEX Connecticut—a free supply chain portal designed to strengthen Connecticut’s manufacturing ecosystem—has officially launched.

The CONNEX platform—licensed and administered by CBIA affiliate CONNSTEP—is an online database that connects Connecticut manufacturers with an accurate, user-friendly search function. 

Connecticut manufacturers can connect directly with other companies to fill supply chain needs and use the platform as a marketplace to post request for quote opportunities.

“As the Connecticut state partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, CBIA has seen the CONNEX system’s success connecting supply chains in other states,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima.

“We are fortunate that we could facilitate the collaboration between NAM and CONNSTEP so that every Connecticut manufacturer has the opportunity to utilize CONNEX Connecticut at no cost.

“Connecticut’s world-class manufacturers can now connect through a single platform, strengthening the state’s manufacturing ecosystem and creating more local and robust supply chain opportunities.”

Supply Chain Resiliency

CONNSTEP president and CEO Beatriz Gutierrez said the coronavirus pandemic “highlighted the need to focus on strengthening our industrial base, including innovative solutions to help the supply chain.”

“The platform will help Connecticut manufacturers find the materials and inputs they need to meet their productivity and profitability objectives, while improving supply chain optimization for downstream manufacturers,” she said.

Paul Lavoie, the state’s chief manufacturing officer, noted that supply chain resiliency remains a primary concern for manufacturers in Connecticut.

“This is just one of the ways we are working to strengthen Connecticut’s domestic manufacturing supply chain,” he said.

“This is just one of the ways we are working to strengthen Connecticut’s domestic manufacturing supply chain.”

Chief manufacturing officer Paul Lavoie

CBIA’s 2022 Connecticut Manufacturing Report found that 93% of manufacturers were impacted by supply chain disruptions.

Nearly three-quarters (71%) of manufacturers said they dealt with product availability issues, with 19% experiencing higher costs and 6% losing business or revenue due to disruptions.

CBIA manufacturing policy specialist Ashley Zane said “CONNEX Connecticut is a great representation of how public-private partnerships can make an impact on our business community.”

“This is particularly important for our small manufacturing companies, who may lack the resources to explore new supply chain possibilities that are mere miles from their doorsteps,” she said. 

Manufacturing Access

The database is funded by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund and offered at no cost to Connecticut manufacturers. 

Manufacturers also have the option of accessing a national database for $500 a year.

Interested manufacturers who use the code “CTFF” by March 31, 2023 will get free lifetime access to the national database.

CONNSTEP will assist manufacturers with data entry, profile management, capability statements, and maximizing their use of the platform.

For more information, email connex@connstep.org.

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