Zupkus Tours Prospect Manufacturing Firm

PROSPECT — State Rep. Lezlye Zupkus met recently with leaders of Prospect Machine Products to discuss the company’s recent renovation as well the impact that actions taken by the legislature have on the state’s manufacturing sector. Zupkus, a member of the legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus, is touring small and mid-sized companies in the three communities she represents ahead of the next legislative session to collect on-the-ground information for her efforts to make the state “business-friendly.” Prospect Machine, which employs 22 people, constructs metal parts used in products such as appliances, outdoor power equipment, sensors, and medical devices. The company used the successful “Small Business Express” loan and grant program from the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development to help fund the renovation at its Union City Road shop. Zupkus, a member of the legislature’s Commerce Committee, voted to refund the business assistance program that’s proved popular with small companies. The high cost of doing business in Connecticut, however, was also a subject Prospect Machine staff discussed with Zupkus. They also talked about the important role apprenticeship plays in manufacturing community hiring. Zupkus represents the 89th General Assembly District covering Prospect, Bethany and part of Cheshire.