Awards Honor Manufacturing Excellence

From achievements in exports, technology, and innovation to excellence in education, some of the best in manufacturing were honored at the Oct. 2 Connecticut Manufacturing Summit.

“It’s inquisitive, it’s rewarding, and it’s a lot of fun to work with companies that create things,” said TD Bank market president for Connecticut and Rhode Island Steve Moroney as he introduced the awards. 

The event featured an emotional moment as Paul Pelletier was honored for his 25 years as a passionate aerospace educator.

Pelletier died in a plane crash in Vermont last month while serving as a flight instructor.

He taught at Middletown High School and founded the school’s aerospace manufacturing program. 

‘True Visionary’

“Paul was a true visionary who, decades ago, made the connection between student opportunity and workforce needs and he began promoting careers in manufacturing and aerospace,” said ReadyCT executive director Shannon Marimón. 

“His passion for helping students see their potential in these fields was truly unmatched, and his impact on their futures will be felt for years to come.”

Pelletier’s students referred to him as “Mr. Part 107,” a reference to teaching students to fly drones.

“He was always so proud of his students and was truly excited for the successful futures and opportunities he knew they’d have in the manufacturing and aerospace industries,” said Pelletier’s wife of 30 years Tracy Goodell-Pelletier.

“I truly appreciate this award and all of you for continuing to train and employ the next generation of manufacturing workers in Connecticut.”

Marimón also presented the 2024 Pathway Award for Excellence in Manufacturing to Tourtellotte High School’s Michael Joyce for his support of the manufacturing pipeline.

“I am so pleased to see industry’s growing commitment toward our next generation of workers,” Joyce said. 

“I believe that our future pathway goals should include more interactive opportunities for students with professionals who are working in the field.”

Innovation Award

The 2024 Technology Innovation Award went to Phoenix Manufacturing. 

The award recongizes a small-to-medium sized Connecticut manufacturer who demonstrates leadership in the development and adoption of innovative technology that helps strengthen supply chains.

“This company exemplifies why our state is a place of creativity, grit, and innovation,” said CONNSTEP president and CEO Beatriz Gutierrez.

Phoenix Manufacturing began in 1989 as a two-person machine shop in Enfield. 

The woman-owned business has since evolved into a precision machined components manufacturer, providing high quality machining services to its customers.

“Our needs don’t change, we’re constantly trying to innovate and find new technology,” said Phoenix Manufacturing’s Martha Prou.

Export Awards

The summit also featured the Connecticut District Export Council‘s annual awards, honoring companies for their achievements in expanding market reach.

This year’s awardees exported to 67 unique countries in 2023.

“We get to put Connecticut goods out into the world to the tune of $15.85 billion a year,” said Shipman & Goodwin LLP’s Alfredo Fernández, introducing the awards. 

“It’s always nice for me to be able to show off the great work that we’re doing here in Connecticut,” added U.S. Commercial Service Connecticut office director Melissa Grosso.

Council chair Amy Bosco, director of global business development at Beekley Medical, and Meridian Finance Group’s Jenny Lezon Norris presented the awards.

The council honored companies for adding new countries they hadn’t previously exported to, or growing sales to an existing country.

Export Award Winners

In total, 23 Connecticut companies received export awards:

• APS Technology LLC
• Automated Export Processing, Inc. dba EasyExport
• Bauer
• CertaScan Technologies, LLC
• Control Station, Inc.
• Crescent Manufacturing
• Element 119 LLC
• Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company
• Environics Inc
• Environmental Products Corporation
• Finacity Corporation
• Fluid Forming Technologies, LLC
• KUB Technologies, Inc.
• LightSpeedEdu, Inc.
• Mott Corporation
• Norseland, Inc.
• Point Lighting Corporation
• R&D Dynamics Corporation
• Russell Organics LLC
• Simtech, Inc.
• Specialty Cable Corporation
• Straton Industries, Inc.
• Whelen Engineering Company