Six Manufacturers Receive State Technology Grants 

Six Connecticut manufacturers will each receive a $100,000 state grant to help them adopt new additive technologies and drive innovation.

The grants are awarded as part of the Additive Manufacturing Adoption Program. 

The initiative is part of the state’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund, and is administered by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology.

The grants support the adoption of technologies that improve operations, including high-end 3D metal printers for functional parts and tooling and advanced plastic printing capabilities.

“Manufacturing continues to be a high-growth sector nationwide and we want to do everything we can to ensure that Connecticut is at the forefront of the jobs and economic growth that it is delivering,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement.

“This grant program is a way that we can partner with small manufacturers in our state to support their growth.”

Grant Recipients

The program is open to manufacturers with fewer than 300 employees. Each company will provide a matching grant of an equal or greater amount.

The recipients include: 

• Mott Corporation of Farmington
• Advanced Manufacturing, LLC of Windsor
• Airex Rubber Products Corporation of Portland
• Integrated Illumination Systems, Inc. (dba I2 Systems) of Morris
• TriMech Solutions, LLC of Deep River
• West-Conn Tool and Die, Inc. of Shelton

“Grants like these not only help manufacturers innovate and adopt new technologies, but also to develop and grow their workforce.”

CBIA’s Chris DiPentima

Since 2015, the MIF has invested $95.2 million, helping more than 3,000 Connecticut companies create or retain over 22,200 jobs.

The Department of Economic and Community Development administers the fund with direction from an advisory board representing public and private sector stakeholders.

In fiscal 2023, the MIF disbursed $8.4 million, including a $2.9 million investment in the Additive Manufacturing Adoption Program.

“Grants like these not only help manufacturers innovate and adopt new technologies, but also to develop and grow their workforce,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima, who is a member of the MIF advisory board.

Past Recipients

Plainfield-based Westminster Tool received an AMAP grant in 2021. 

“Since incorporating metal additive capabilities into our mold making operations, Westminster Tool has successfully won six new major OEM customers, seizing an opportunity made possible by embracing new technology ahead of our competitors,” said Westminster vice president Hillary Thomas.

“The adoption of 3D printing in our tool room has minimized downtime and bolstered overall throughput.”

AVNA’s Jim DeVecchis

AVNA, formerly Okay Industries, also received a 2021 AMAP grant. 

The funding helped them integrate 3D printing, which director of manufacturing engineering Jim DeVecchis said helped improve lead times for in-house tooling and prototyping. 

“The adoption of 3D printing in our tool room has minimized downtime and bolstered overall throughput, enabling us to respond swiftly to the demands of our MedTech clientele,” he said.