Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1519605
2024 FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS Birk Manufacturing Inc. Birk Manufacturing specializes in designing and manufacturing flexible heaters, sensors and thermal systems for critical sectors, including medical, semiconductor, aerospace and defense. Tell us about your recent accomplishments. In the past two years, Birk Manufacturing has experienced remarkable growth, achieving a 47% increase in revenue. It has invested in cutting-edge technology, acquiring a UV laser drill and laser direct imaging machine. These additions have streamlined the manufacturing process, enhancing efficiency and elevating product quality. The strategic investments reflect Birk's commitment to innovation and excellence, positioning it for continued success in meeting evolving market demands. What are your family values and how do they contribute to your business success? Our family values center on learning, growth, communication and having fun. These prin- ciples foster a supportive work environment, encouraging collaboration and innovation. By prioritizing personal and professional development, alongside open communication and enjoyment in our work, we cultivate a culture that drives business success and employee satisfaction. Where do you see your business in the next five years? In the next five years, we envision expanding our capabilities by introducing controllers to regulate heat, and enhancing our product suite to encompass heating, sensing and control solutions. Additionally, we plan to construct a new facility adjacent to our current location, further strengthening our manufacturing capabilities and market presence. HQ: EAST LYME INDUSTRY: FLEXIBLE HEATER MANUFACTURER YEAR FOUNDED & FOUNDER: FOUNDED BY NORMAN BIRK,1989 FAMILY MEMBERS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AT COMPANY: NORMAN BIRK, OWNER/FOUNDER; CARLETON BIRK, PRESIDENT (SON TO NORMAN); LILLY BIRK, MARKET- ING COORDINATOR (DAUGHTER TO NORMAN) GENERATION CURRENTLY RUNNING COMPANY: 2ND FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES: 150 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES: 10 WEBSITE: WWW.BIRKMFG.COM ANNUAL REVENUE: $21 MILLION CATEGORY WINNERS: 51-200 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | APRIL 29, 2024 B5 Best Cleaners Family-owned dry-cleaning chain Best Clean- ers has been in business since 1954 and has grown to over a dozen locations throughout Connecticut. The company uses the environ- mentally-friendly Greenearth Cleaning Method and offers same-day service, on-site tailors and seamstresses and free home pickup and delivery service. Tell us about your recent accomplishments. COVID-19 was difficult on our industry and our business. We had weeks during the pandemic when we experienced an 80% loss in revenue. We battled back and are now back to our pre-pandemic sales volume. We are most proud to have been able to keep many of our key employees employed during those hard times. Our employees' loyalty and hard work were nothing less than amazing. In the past five years, we have opened two new locations in key markets, such as West Hartford and Old Lyme, and we are continu- ing to grow our home delivery service at a rapid pace. Automation has also played a key role in our success. We are currently looking to install a new sorting, filing and distribution system at our store in Canton. This will be happening this summer. Where do you see your business in the next five years? We will continue to leverage automation and implement processes that make our day-to-day operations more efficient. We hope to be able to service our less-populated communities through our on-demand home delivery service, and possibly small remote kiosk-style locations. HQ: MIDDLETOWN INDUSTRY: DRY CLEANING, LAUNDRY AND TAILORING YEAR FOUNDED & FOUNDER: 1954, WILLIAM MCCANN II FAMILY MEMBERS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AT COMPANY: SHAWN B. MCCANN, PRESIDENT; JENNIFER L. MCCANN, SECRETARY; WILLIAM J. MCCANN III, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD GENERATION CURRENTLY RUNNING COMPANY: 3RD FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES: 55 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES: 35 WEBSITE: WWW.BESTCLEANERS.COM Horst Engineering & Manufacturing Co. Horst Engineering is a contract manufac- turer of precision machined components for aerospace and other high-technology industries. Its core processes include Swiss screw machining, turning, milling, grinding, thread rolling and assembly. It makes more than 3,000 unique parts for mission-critical systems, helping people fly safely. Tell us about your recent accomplishments. We persevered through the COVID-19 pandemic and are still feeling the effects of its disproportionate impact on the commercial aviation industry. The people, supply chain and inflationary challenges are ongoing, but we have learned much from the experience. Since 2019, we have acquired a 50-year-old building, executed a massive renovation, and created a state-of-the-art factory. Our subsequent move and consolidation from four smaller buildings were hard, but they positioned us for future opportunities. Prior to the pandemic, most of our business came from the aerospace and defense sectors. We have worked hard to diversify and now make ultraprecision components and tooling for other industries. What are your family values and how do they contribute to your business success? We have five core values: Team HORST, responsiveness, precision, skillfulness and perseverance. As a family-owned business, we didn't have to work hard to develop these. When you have been around for three gener- ations, you have experienced many business cycles. Long-term thinking comes naturally, and that benefits the innovation required to be an advanced manufacturer. Where do you see your business in the next five years? We are focusing on our industry diversifi- cation effort while still growing our main aerospace hardware business. We have room for growth at our factory and will consider partnering with customers and companies who share our values and desire to grow. HQ: EAST HARTFORD INDUSTRY: AEROSPACE MANUFACTURING YEAR FOUNDED & FOUNDER: 1946, HARRY LIVINGSTON FAMILY MEMBERS CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AT COMPANY: SCOTT LIVINGSTON, PRESIDENT & CEO; STANLEY LIVINGSTON, DIRECTOR, FATHER OF SCOTT; STEVEN LIVINGSTON, DIRECTOR, UNCLE OF SCOTT; LYNN LIVINGSTON, DIRECTOR, SCOTT'S MOTHER GENERATION CURRENTLY RUNNING COMPANY: 3RD FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES: 96 PART-TIME EMPLOYEES: 1 WEBSITE: HORSTENGINEERING.COM