Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/833859
58 Doing Business in Connecticut | 2017 Manufacturing INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT › By Cara Rosner C onnecticut Spring & Stamping (CSS) has oper- ated in Connecticut for nearly 80 years, and President Bill Stevenson knows its employees play a crucial role in the manufacturer's ability to adapt and thrive. "With 450 full-time employees, we are still very much a family business," says Stevenson. In his 17 years at the company, 10 employees have celebrated their 50th anniversary of employment at CSS. "Dedi- cated, great people are everything. We are honest and respectful to each other, and it matters." e Farmington-based company makes metal springs, stampings and other machine components. It could do that anywhere, but has some compelling reasons to be based in Connecticut. "We are imbedded here, as is our family of employees," he says. "We do not think about moving, but we think a great deal about 'How can we do well despite a few ob- stacles?' " Making it work A global company, CSS does 20 percent of its sales outside the United States. But being based in Connecticut keeps the business close to some of its major customers here, such as United Technologies Corp. and American Outdoor Brands (formerly Smith & Wesson). Connecticut is where the company's supplier base is located, and houses educational institutions from which CSS can find new technical employees. e company's appren- ticeship program works closely with the state Department of Labor to help train workers, and CSS works with local schools to expose students to manufacturing career options. "We have what we need to make it work here in Connecticut," he says. To endure for nearly eight decades, CSS has made changes along the way, he says. It originated as Connecticut Spring, but later added stamping to better serve its custom- ers. Over the years, it has added four-slide manufacturing, assemblies, Swiss machining, prototype services and other capabilities to its offerings. e company has embraced lean practices, and has formed strategic partnerships in Asia as well as other "satellite resources" — all in an effort to better serve its customer base. Stevenson credits much of the company's longevity to the Youmans family, who founded CSS in 1940. "e family has remained committed to the success of the business through thick and thin, sacrificing when necessary to ensure the business would weather the stormy times," he says. Stevenson joined CSS as president in 2000 aer meeting Peter Youmans, owner and CEO. He previously had been owner of Advanced Belt Technology in Middletown, general manager at Multi Circuits in Manchester, and a certified public accountant in the small business division at Arthur Andersen in Hartford. "ere is no substitute for hard work," he says. "We work very hard at every aspect of our business and understand the importance of paying attention to our customers and staying ahead of their needs. We have changed, and continue to change, with the times and embrace change as an opportunity, not a threat." ❑ Bill Stevenson ers, he says. "ese manufacturing jobs are really critical to our long-term economic health, because it's really manufacturing that begets non-manufacturing jobs," he says. Of Connecticut's 160,000 manufactur- ing jobs, a sizeable portion have direct or indirect ties to defense industries. When manufacturers in the state succeed, their suppliers do as well. In 2015, for instance, Pratt & Whitney entered a long-term contract with Polamer Precision, a New Britain company that makes engine and airframe components. Polamer is making complex bearing compartment hardware for Pratt's PurePow- er geared turbofan engines. e agreement runs through 2022 and is expected to generate $140 million in rev- enue for Polamer. at partnership and others like it have transformed Polamer "from a development 'job shop' to a global, 21st-century aero- space manufacturing facility," says CEO and President Chris Galik. Aer inking three long-term deals in 2016, Polamer is on track to double its revenue this year, he adds. "e company is investing heavily in new equipment, automation and new tech- nologies," says Galik. "We are creating new manufacturing and business models that will keep us out in front of the competition for years to come." Looking toward the future, many Con- necticut manufacturers could be bolstered further under President Donald Trump's ad- ministration, if federal spending on defense contracts increases, says Klepper-Smith. at, however, remains to be seen. If additional contracts come to Connecticut, it will mean more positive news for the state. "ere's some newfound optimism when it comes to defense," says Klepper- Smith. "Let's hope we can ride that wave." ❑ FAMILY TIES Stevenson sees change as opportunity at CT Spring & Stamping PROFILE PHOTO/HBJ FILE PHOTO > Continued from page 56