March 27, 2015

Manufacturing Jobs Coming to Area: Carpino and Cromwell officials tour GKN

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GKN Aerospace President and General Manager, David Olchowski (left) gave Cromwell officials a presentation on expansion plans, and a tour of the GKN facility, March 26.

CROMWELL — High-tech manufacturing is thriving in Connecticut. GKN Aerospace Services Structure Corporation has plans to hire more workers and expand significantly within Connecticut in the near future.

Rep. Christie Carpino (Cromwell, Portland) joined Cromwell Mayor, Enzo Faienza, Deputy Mayor, Dick Newton, Councilman, Frank Emanuelle, Councilman, Al Waters and Economic Development Commission members, for a tour of the Cromwell site on Thursday.

Rep. Carpino, who toured the facility four years ago, said she returned to learn new details about GKN’s growth and plans for expansion.

GKN opened its Cromwell location over a decade ago to manufacture fan cases for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter used by the U.S. Military. GKN has expanded the number of products they manufacture in Cromwell to include rotor blade tip caps and numerous composite parts used in civilian and military aircraft throughout the world.

“GKN is an industry leader. They tackle difficult industry problems and utilize sophisticated manufacturing processes for solutions. GKN has demonstrated its commitment to Cromwell through expanding in Connecticut and through their dedication to the greater Cromwell community,” said Rep. Carpino.

On March 17, Connecticut’s Bond Commission awarded GKN a grant to assist with its development and capability advancement. $1 million will be awarded to GKN this year. Installments are scheduled through 2018 if the company creates 100 jobs within six years.

Cromwell mayor, Enzo Faienza, said he is pleased that GKN is scheduled to receive these funds, and that new jobs will be created in Cromwell.

“It was a true pleasure meeting with the GKN team and touring their wonderful Cromwell facility. They are a major leader in the aerospace industry and I’m proud of the growth and success they have achieved in Cromwell,” he said.

GKN President and General Manager, David Olchowski, said the company’s Cromwell expansion plans includes developing new technology and production facilities.

Olchowski also said GKN has plans to work more closely with the area’s schools and community colleges to promote manufacturing and recruit new employees.

“By working with our local schools and colleges, the youth of Cromwell and the surrounding area will benefit. Manufacturing jobs are critical to our town and state,” said Emanuelle.