Bolinsky Tours Sandy Hook’s Own Curtis Packaging

NEWTOWN- In an effort to reach out to local manufacturers and employers, State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) met and toured Curtis Packaging, an industry leader in the design, innovation and production of high-end, value-added luxury packaging for many of the world’s top brands.

Bolinsky was given a tour by President & C.E.O. Donald R. Droppo Jr. who shared many personal and family stories about his passion for the business, Curtis’ dedication to Newtown and the reasons why Connecticut is and will continue to be its home.  The company has operated at its Berkshire Road location since 1845 and has a noteworthy history of invention and self-reinvention over its 168-years. Droppo proudly demonstrated the company’s vision and commitment to leading-edge technologies as a key part of its strategy to control its own destiny.

Ten-years before the industry actively began to pursue environmental stewardship and sustainable responsibility, Curtis Packaging became the first packaging company in North America to use 100% wind power, be 100% carbon neutral, and to be certified by the Forest Stewardships Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.  Curtis’ customers value these initiatives and are proud to display their commitment by telling the story on their finished packaging.

“I was floored by the size and scope of Curtis and I’m grateful that Don Droppo has such a strong commitment to do business in Sandy Hook.  Anything Connecticut can do to improve relations between progressive businesses like this and the Capitol must be viewed as an opportunity to solidify our economic future.  We should be jumping at opportunities to attract more differentiated businesses like Curtis and bending over backward to retain the ones we are fortunate to already have.” said Rep. Bolinsky.  “Businesses like Curtis are here by choice.  Their growth and investments in technology translate directly to the creation of good jobs and opportunity for not just the current employees – but also for generations to come!”

Speaking with Rep. Bolinsky, Mr. Droppo expounded on the importance of Curtis’ employees to him and striking a work/home balance.  The company offers its employees a generous benefits package and a 401k investment program.  Mr. Droppo shared that the company employs nearly 150 and proudly reported that its workforce has very little turnover, with many having worked with Curtis for decades.  CEO Droppo finished the tour by showing-off a recently added 1950’s-style ‘diner’ that replaced a more traditional break room, beaming that folks have really enjoyed the upgrade, as well as the company’s occasional themed events held in the new ‘diner’.

Concluding the tour, Rep. Bolinsky declared: “Here’s wishing Curtis Packaging another 168-years of prosperity and innovation in Newtown, Connecticut.”