Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1467276
BUSINESS PROFILES | APRIL 25, 2022 | HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL 7 T he Covid-19 pandemic clipped the wings of the airline industry, a development that stymied growth for many industry vendors. Habco Industries, however, took the time to invest and build up its business, which rested on a diverse foundation that withstood the economic blow of the virus. "There are plenty of opportunities to grow," says Brian Montanari, Habco's president and CEO. "It is a matter of investing in the right opportunities that provide a return on investment." The company is finding one of those opportunities with the launch of an FAA FAR 145 repair station, establishing a new service for customers in addition to the company's longstanding business of engine tooling and support equipment. "It is a natural extension for us to partner with our customers to provide this service to them," Montanari says. The move also reflects the forward-thinking approach the company has taken since it started back in 1970. Founder Henry August Backmann, an engineer who had worked for Pratt & Whitney, saw other entrepreneurs flocking to open machine shops to build and sell components to aircraft makers. Instead of competing with them for business, Backmann recognized that whoever won the business would need test and support equipment to validate parts. He set about designing and manufacturing a menu of unique products. "That stronghold has opened tremendous growth opportunities for expanding market presence and manufacturing capabilities," Montanari says. Backmann grew the business and then sold it in 2000 to his daughter, who sold it in 2012 to the current ownership group. Today, the company's customer base includes both commercial and military aircraft users, as well as the industrial gas turbine market. In addition to innovative technology, Habco takes pride in its approach to customer service. The company believes in building relationships with its customers and providing a rapid response to their needs. "We listen to our customers to understand what their problems are," Montanari says, noting that Habco's only goal is customer success. "We always put their interests first, so there are times when we make recommendations that don't win us their immediate business but that win their loyalty and trust." As it surveys the future of its industry, Habco is optimistic. The company is investing in an initiative called Industry 4.0, which includes development of mixed-reality technology that promises a more efficient production process. Also on the agenda is building a lease pool of tools that can help Habco's customers reduce their capital expense needs. Habco also has opened additional locations in East Hartford and the Czech Republic, further expanding the services it can offer customers. Inflation and high labor costs pose challenges to execution. Habco is confident in the continuous improvement model built into its culture, the diversity of its business and the strength of its service. "We are in relentless pursuit of providing the ultimate customer experience by being the appropriate resource to our customers," Montanari says. "We want it to be easy for them to do business with us." Diversification Lifts Business for Aerospace Vendor Headquarters: 172 Oak St., Glastonbury, CT 06033 Phone: (860) 430-5100 Website: www.habco.biz Product or Service: Aerospace ground support equipment, tooling and test stands No. of Employees: 50 to 100 Head of Company: Brian Montanari, President & CEO Year Founded: 1970 Habco's executive team, from left: Carol Boedicker, VP of human resources; Jeff Kretzmer, COO and CTO; Kate Labrecque, Controller; Brian Montanari, president and CEO. Habco's Ray Morassini uses mixed reality technology to apply stencils to a product.