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2017 | Doing Business in Connecticut 53 Manufacturing T his year is poised to be a strong one for Connecticut manufac- turers — including Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky and Electric Boat — and workforce development will play a major role in ensuring they can meet increased demand. Recent months have brought a rising tide of good news to many companies in the state, including the largest defense manufacturers. In some cases, that is leading to job growth. "ere's some good reason for optimism," said Donald Klepper- Smith, chief economist at DataCore Partners. At jet-engine manufacturer East Hartford-based Pratt & Whitney, the success of the company's PurePower geared turbofan engine and fih-generation F135 engines are keeping the manufacturer busy, says spokesman Ray Hernandez. "is is a very exciting time at Pratt &Whitney as we continue to transform aviation across our portfolio of engines," he says. Among other developments, the company announced in late 2016 that a Chinese air carrier has ordered 18 jetliners that will be powered by the PurePower geared turbofan engines. In addition, in January 2017 the company was chosen by NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate to participate in an aircra- engine flight demonstration showcasing new technology. e company also plans to move into its new state-of-the-art Global Headquarters and Engineering Building in East Hartford later this year. Skilled labor Amid the increased workload, the company is hiring globally to fill engineering, manufacturing and operations jobs. Since the beginning of 2015, Hernandez says, about one-third of Pratt's worldwide hiring has taken place in Connecticut — the largest share of any location. e company has hired 4,500 workers globally, including 1,500 in Connecti- cut, he says. "[Connecticut] has a strong core of highly-skilled aerospace work- ers and talent," he says, adding that the company has more than 9,500 Connecticut employees and uses more than 100 aerospace suppliers in the state. Pratt & Whitney is proud of its deep roots in Connecticut, partnering in research and development projects with the University of Connecticut and the University of Hartford, and collaborating on training programs in advanced manufacturing with Goodwin Col- Continued on page 56 > Chris Galik, president and CEO of Polamer Precision of New Britain, one of many suppliers that are integral to the success of large Connecticut manufacturers like Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky and Electric Boat. PHOTO/JARED RAMSDELL Now Hiring Connecticut's major manufacturers see reasons for optimism By Cara Rosner