Posted on July 21, 2011
State Representatives Rosa C. Rebimbas (R-70) and David Labriola (R-131) recently toured two Naugatuck businesses to see firsthand how their manufacturing facilities and businesses are doing in a difficult economy and how they have been impacted by the state’s business policies.
The veteran legislators visited Custom Bottle and GarKenyon Aerospace and Defense, businesses that are leaders in their respective fields and doing well despite the difficult economic climate. However, the overarching theme from both companies was the high cost of doing business in the state hampers their ability to compete with companies located in lower cost states. Specifically, the high cost of energy and the continually changing policies at the state level make it difficult to recruit and retain highly skilled employees in a globally diverse marketplace.
“Seeing how these two companies remain at the forefront of their industry is inspiring,” Rep. Rebimbas said. “Connecticut has a long way to go to be a competitive state for business but these companies show it’s possible to succeed with dedication, sacrifice and drive. Their commitment to their employees and Naugatuck is admirable.”
Rep. Labriola added “Surviving in a difficult economy is tough for many businesses, especially in Connecticut, but these two companies are thriving. After touring these companies it reaffirms my belief that we must do everything we can at the state level to ensure that small businesses across Connecticut have the tools to prosper.”
Custom Bottle, located in the Naugatuck Industrial Park, is an extrusion blow-molder of plastic bottles and similar products used in a variety of industries such as personal care, pharmaceutical, food and industrial applications, and produces tens of million of bottles annually. With products sold primarily through the nation’s leading packaging distributors, they have in-house capability to provide silk-screening and application of pressure-sensitive labels including single and multi-pass decorating.
GarKenyon, located in downtown Naugatuck, is a producer of high quality engineered aircraft hydraulic and pneumatic components, utilizes lean manufacturing processes and an extensive design library and accumulated years of specialized experience to remain a leader in Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing systems (CAD/CAM) with complete test capabilities. Gar Kenyon’s Engineers utilize the latest 3D computer aided design and analysis software for new product design and manufacture its components to the highest military and commercial standards.
“We all want to bring new business into the state, but at the same time we must not neglect the dedicated Connecticut businesses we currently have,” Rep. Rebimbas said. “Helping local companies is a key component for Connecticut back on a solid financial footing.”
CAPTION: From left- Jane Pronovost, Controller at GarKenyon Aerospace and Defense, Steven A. Fournier, President and CEO of GarKenyon, State Representatives David Labriola and Rosa C. Rebimbas, Khoi Vu, V.P. and General Manager of GarKenyon, Sam Aconfora, SPHR, Dir. Of Human Resources and Supply Chain for GarKenyon, and Jonathan Fournier, Dir. of Operations and Planning for GarKenyon, pose for a photo after their meeting.