Manufacturing Collaboration Launches Innovative Disinfection Device

Two Connecticut companies have partnered to produce an innovative new product that rapidly disinfects mobile electronic devices.

Avon-based iCleanse is collaborating with Chester-based manufacturer Chapco on the Swift UV product, which uses UV technology to kill 99.99% of pathogens on mobile devices in about 15 seconds.

The collaboration was announced at an Oct. 22 event that included iCleanse CEO Chris Allen, CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima, Chester First Selectwoman Lauren Gister, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), state Sen. Norm Needleman (D-Essex), state Rep. Christine Palm (D-Chester), and Chapco president Brian Weinstein.

DiPentima noted the importance of partnerships like the one between Chapco and iCleanse to “really grow the economy and get the good stories out that Connecticut has.”

Allen seconded DiPentima, emphasizing that he is an “advocate for Connecticut,” and that the state “has great stories we don’t often talk about,” which is why he chose to do business here.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to create new jobs here, and create something revolutionary in the marketplace right here in Connecticut,” Allen said.

Collaboration

Murphy remarked on how the “global business community’s impression” of Connecticut has changed and credited state policy as well as the efforts of CBIA.

“CBIA is a tremendous advocate for businesses in Connecticut,” he said, “especially manufacturers.”

Palm praised the collaboration, saying “these companies combined forces, combined their technology, and combined their optimism for the good of their workers and for the state.”

One of the great things about #manufacturing month is seeing Connecticut innovation and ingenuity at work. Visited Chapco with @NormCT and @ChrisMurphyCT today to learn about the company's partnership with @_icleanse on a product that wipes pathogens from devices. #MadeinCT pic.twitter.com/SEDI0YQZD9

— Chris DiPentima (@ChrisDipentima) October 22, 2021

Needleman acknowledged that the manufacturing industry has changed, and the state must work to catch up with the new types of jobs required.

“We need job training programs and educational opportunities,” he said, “and to understand that these are not low-paid manufacturing jobs, these are more sophisticated and require higher skill sets.”

More than one-third (35%) of business leaders told CBIA’s 2021 Survey of Connecticut Businesses that the main factor hampering business growth in Connecticut was the lack of skilled applicants.

Forty-three percent said investing in education and vocational training should be the state legislature’s top policy priority in 2022.