March 27, 2017

Rep. Klarides-Ditria Tours Bridgeport Fittings in Stratford

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HARTFORD- State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria paid a visit to one of Connecticut’s top manufacturers, Bridgeport Fittings, in Stratford on Thursday to discuss the industry’s legislative priorities and the state’s business climate.

Founded in 1925, Bridgeport Fittings originally focused their production on making switches, bells, and buzzers, and now has evolved into a premiere manufacturer of fittings for electrical boxes.

“I want to thank Bill Manthey and the owners of Bridgeport Fittings for inviting me to tour their top-notch facility in Stratford,” said Rep. Klarides-Ditria. “The manufacturing industry is vital to our state’s economy and Bridgeport Fittings and other small manufacturers need a state government that is committed to supporting their industry.”

Before taking a guided tour of the clean and innovated facility, Rep. Klarides-Ditria met with owners Del Auray and Tom Auray and their management team, which includes Bill Manthey, a Beacon Falls resident, to talk about the need for the state to invest more money into vocational-technical high schools. Bridgeport Fittings works closely with Platt Technical High School in Milford to train the next generation of manufacturers.

Rep. Klarides-Ditria explained that vo-tech schools throughout the state have a long waiting list of students who want to enter a technical field.

“Manufacturers in our state are ready to expand, but the skilled workforce that is needed in their industry is lacking,” said Klarides-Ditria. “The time is now to prioritize our spending on the state level and make the necessary investment in our vo-tech schools.”

Rep. Klarides-Ditria continued, “Bridgeport Fittings has created an apprenticeship model that should be used by manufacturers throughout the state. The manufacturing industry is rapidly changing due to the advancements in technology, and the field needs a highly skilled work force to keep up with growth. The company is committed to training young professionals who are seeking to enter the manufacturing industry, but they need the state’s help to keep up with the rapid growth of their industry. I will continue to support and advocate for the manufacturing industry in Hartford.”

Bridgeport Fittings currently employs more than 200 employees at their facility in Stratford, 705 Lordship Blvd, Stratford, CT 06615.

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