State Gets Federal Manufacturing Designation

More than a century of leadership in defense shipbuilding and aerospace manufacturing has led to Connecticut being tapped for a federal-state program to make those industries even stronger.
Connecticut, through the Department of Economic and Community Development, was recently awarded an Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership designation from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
The designation and partnership applies to the Connecticut Advanced Manufacturing Communities Region, which comprises most of the central and eastern part of the state—including Pratt & Whitney and Electric Boat and their extensive network of manufacturing providers.
“The region reflects a collaborative and innovative spirit that has been cultivated over decades,” says the Economic Development Administration.
The partnership’s strategy is to focus on three main areas in support of Pratt’s development of the F-135 aircraft and other engines, and Electric Boat’s expanded submarine programs.
These areas are workforce, supply chain, and innovation.
Potential resources include DECD’s $70 million Manufacturing Innovation Fund that’s designed to support modernization and innovation of processes, equipment and workforce.
A diverse and wide ranging partnership including employers, educators, and policy organizations—including CBIA—will participate in the initiative.
This group has already begun to meet and the work of its subcommittees is underway.
For more information, contact CBIA’s Bonnie Stewart at 860.244.1925 | bonnie.stewart@cbia.com | @CBIAbonnie