NMC Members & Community Partner News

UConn Joins Forces with University of New Haven to Help Local Manufacturers Adopt Sustainable Practices

UConn Today; August 19, 2021

UConn is participating in a massive national research effort to help local manufacturers reduce their carbon footprint.

Associate professor in the School of Engineering, Liang Zhang, will lead the team, in collaboration with the University of New Haven. This work is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

“We are excited to bring a DOE IAC to Connecticut for the first time in the history of the IAC program,” Zhang says. “This is long overdue for Connecticut, and we believe that it will bring significant benefits to the state’s environment and economic development efforts through its service to the large number of small and medium manufacturers in the area.”

Nemeth pilots Meriden manufacturer Jonal Laboratories into new markets

New Haven Biz; August 4, 2021

By Liese Klein

For years, when it came to measuring parts at Jonal Laboratories in Meriden, a hand-held micrometer did the job.

But recently CEO Marc Nemeth invested in a table-mounted laser measuring tool that captures 1 million data points in 15 seconds — and costs $100,000.

“You have to stay ahead of the curve, the technology curve,” Nemeth said. “If you’re behind the curve, it's almost impossible to catch up.”

As the second-generation head of his family business, Nemeth has learned to constantly seek new markets for Jonal Laboratories’ products, the rubber and silicone seals used in aircraft engines, airframes and spacecraft.

CorrTech Awarded Contract for Nautilus Pier, Groton, CT

CorrTech Press Release; August 11, 2021

CorrTech has been awarded a contract to design/build a cathodic protection system to protect the Nautilus Pier in Groton, CT. The Pier is home to the Nautilus Submarine, SSN-571.

The USS Nautilus was the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine and the first vessel to transit the North Pole. The Nautilus was decommissioned in 1980 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1982. The submarine is preserved at the US Navy Submarine Force Museum in Groton, CT, where visitors can tour the historic ship.

The cathodic protection system to be designed and built by CorrTech will protect the Nautilus Pier and sheet pile wall from corrosion by the use of sacrificial anodes. The cathodic protection system works in the marine environment to protect the steel from the effects of salt water corrosion.

CorrTech will be working under the Asturian Group to perform this work under its Multiple Award Construction Contract (MACC) with the Naval Submarine Base, New London-Groton, CT. The design work is underway, with construction scheduled to begin in November 2021

CorrTech is proud to partner with Asturian Group to help preserve this significant historic naval asset.

Visit their news area to learn more about connecting with CorrTech at upcoming events.

David DeMaio of Pat Munger Construction Company Raising Money For "Closer To Free" Ride

Pat Munger Construction email; August 4, 2021

All Funds Donated Benefit Smilow Cancer Hospital & Yale Cancer Center

Almost every one of us has been or will be, exposed to the devastating effects of cancer. Six years ago, under the leadership and inspiration of David's sister, Denise, Team Tony’s Tigers was formed with the mission of riding in the Closer to Free Ride to raise funds for Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven. The team rides in remembrance of victims of cancer, including his parents, Marie and Tony DeMaio and Pam DeMaio's mother, Marge Cordts, honoring cancer survivors and supporting everyone who has been affected by cancer in their lives.

On September 11, 2021, this year’s Closer to Free Ride will take place. The goals are simple: Awareness – The Best Treatment – Find a Cure. We are hopeful that you will join the team of Tony’s Tigers by making a financial contribution to help others traveling this challenging path.

The Workforce Training Fund Program Awards More than $8 Million in Grants to Train 4,319 Employees

Mass.gov website Press Release; July 13, 2021

NMC Member Peerless Precision was approved for a grant from the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund to invest in a skilled and well-trained workforce. They will be using it on Cyber Security Training and Lean Manufacturing Training. Because of this grant, they expect to train 28 workers and open 2 positions!

Read the full release here.

Where Is the Next Silicon Valley? Groton, Connecticut.

Groton Economic Development Press Release; July 6, 2021

Walker Potts, Executive Director of the Naval & Maritime Consortium, is anticipating significant economic growth tied to Groton's BlueTech industry. "This region has been a major hub of global maritime economic activity dating back to the 17th century, with a long heritage of seafaring, from fisherman and sailors, shipbuilders and ropemakers, naval architects, and maritime manufacturers. Today, that industry is coming back in a very significant and modern way," said Potts. "The region has secured billions in BlueTech investment over the coming decades, mostly centered around in the defense and energy sectors. That investment, along with innovative technology and workforce talent coming out of our universities and the private sector, is giving us the opportunity to see growth at the magnitude of Silicon Valley in the 1990s."

As the Executive Director of an organization with over one hundred members in the maritime industry, Potts is actively working to help BlueTech companies benefit from this windfall. "Our organization includes everything from small machine shops with 2 or 3 people all the way up to major suppliers that have been doing extensive work for OEMs for decades. Through mentorship, collaboration, and business networking, we bring companies together and create opportunities for growth." Some of this growth is coming through Electric Boat, who are effectively tripling their production capacity, and asking more than ever in terms of capacity and capability of the regional industrial base. Likewise, companies like Revolution Wind - a partnership between Eversource and Orsted - are also looking to local industrial suppliers to contribute to offshore wind projects as they approach the end of the permitting phase. With wind projects coming online, opportunities are on the rise for local suppliers to meet their needs. Much of the work in transport and installation, construction and construction support, inspections and maintenance, etc. will be sourced locally.

Groton submarine museum reopens after 14-month COVID closure

The Middletown Press; June 23, 2021

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, a Democrat from Vernon, announced Tuesday that two popular shoreline attractions forced to close their doors during the pandemic would receive support for their reopenings from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The U.S. Submarine Force Library and Museum Association in Groton, a non-profit that supports the Navy-owned museum home to the USS Nautilus, received $137,247 under the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, Courtney announced.

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