March 13, 2015

McGorty & Area Legislators Issue Statements on UTC Announcement

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State Representatives Ben McGorty (R-122), Jason Perillo (R-113), Laura Hoydick (R-120), and State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-21) made the following statements today concerning the announcement by United Technologies Corp. (UTC) that they are considering “strategic alternatives” for its Sikorski Aircraft business:

“Sikorsky is so essential to this region’s economy and identity,” said Rep. McGorty. “I am concerned about what form these potential alternatives may take, and will be joining with my colleagues in working with state officials and UTC to see that whatever actions are taken are in harmony with the terms of the Aerospace Reinvestment Act, and preserve the jobs of the hard-working people of the region who are currently working for Sikorsky.”

“UTC, and Sikorsky in particular, provide hundreds of jobs to residents of Shelton and other surrounding towns,” said Rep. Jason Perillo. “I was proud to support the Aerospace Reinvestment Act last year which played a major role in strengthening Sikorsky Aircraft. It will be essential that any changes implemented by UTC with regards to Sikorsky continue within the boundaries of the investment bill we passed and that those changes ensure the continued employment of the skilled employees currently working for Sikorsky.”

“This announcement by UTC is a surprise, particularly as it comes less than a year after regional legislators joined in a bipartisan effort to pass the Aerospace Reinvestment Act which made significant investments in UTC and Sikorsky,” said Rep. Laura Hoydick. “I will be following these developments closely with particular attention to seeing that UTC stays within the framework of the Reinvestment Act, and to what impact, if any, this has on the many jobs Sikorsky provides to area residents.”

“I am cautiously hopeful, but I do think we all have many questions that need to be answered first,” said Sen. Kelly. “If Sikorsky were to separate from UTC and become a standalone company, I hope they would continue in their long history of innovation and advancement, and I hope they would remain loyal to the community that has always welcomed them and enabled the company to flourish. Stratford is Sikorsky’s home, and Sikorsky is an integral part of the town we call home. I hope this relationship will persevere. We need to preserve these jobs for the thousands of people who rely on them.”