Connecticut is Leading the Way in Advanced Manufacturing

Connecticut is home to manufacturing pioneers — from multinational OEMs to leading suppliers of components, composites, and related services of all types. Together, they form one of America’s most successful and forward-thinking advanced manufacturing ecosystems — powering today’s advances and innovation in precision processes, breakthrough fabrications, and patented products.

Producing Innovation

Connecticut’s manufacturing prowess is rooted in its aerospace and defense industry, with thousands of supply chain and component firms supporting the production of jet engines, helicopters, and nuclear submarines among others. The skilled manufacturing and engineering talent concentrated in the area has driven the state to the forefront of medical device, semiconductor machinery, hydrogen fuel cell, laser cutting, and other precision manufacturing.

 

Key Facts

 

  • 4,400+ manufacturing establishments1
  • 156,000 manufacturing employees2
  • #6 in the nation for concentration of engineers3
  • #7 in the U.S. for STEM location quotient4
  • 25% of all U.S. aircraft and aircraft engine parts manufacturing is located in Connecticut5
  • 16% of all U.S. shipbuilding and repairing is located in Connecticut6
  • #10 Top Manufacturing Hubs (Small-size) in the Nation - New London7

 

“I’ve run businesses for Lockheed Martin in a number of states including Florida and New Jersey and Maryland, and Connecticut has been the most friendly state. Flat out, we’ve had the most communication with the political establishment, the governor and the senators.” 

Paul Lemmo, President, Sikorsky

 

Advanced Manufacturing Support in Connecticut

Connecticut offers an array of tax incentives, funding opportunities and technical resources designed specifically for advanced manufacturers. Additional resources are available through the following:

  • Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund Voucher Program — a State fund to support the growth, innovation, and progress of the advanced manufacturing sector administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to provide grants and support an array of initiatives
  • Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology — an applied technology demonstration and training center that validates, demonstrates, and assists with the adoption of leading-edge technologies into global industrial companies and the advanced manufacturing supply chain, while providing the training and education necessary to utilize the capability of these advancements and drive efficiency
  • CONNSTEP — a business consulting firm focused on identifying opportunities for growth, improving productivity, and ensuring competitiveness 
  • Connecticut Procurement Technical Assistance Center — supports national security by ensuring a broad base of capable, Connecticut suppliers for the defense industry and other government agencies while increasing the state's business economic base

Accelerate Growth & Innovation

  • STEP grants to help increase your exports
  • Exhibit space in the State's booth at the International Air Shows
  • Energy upgrade financing solutions through the Connecticut Green Bank

 

Manufacturing Industry Sector Snapshot

 

◄ Get an in-depth look at Connecticut’s manufacturing industry cluster.

  • industry trends and dynamics
  • concentrations of talent and workforce pipelines in Connecticut
  • Connecticut's regulatory environment
  • logistical and infrastructure considerations
  • the state’s strengths for companies in the state
  • data and resources for companies seeking market entry into Connecticut

 

Learn more about Connecticut's key industries in our detailed snapshots.


1Lightcast, 2022; 2National Association of Manufacturers, 2022; 3Lightcast, 2022, AdvanceCT calculations; 4Lightcast, 2022, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, O*NET definition, AdvanceCT calculations; 5Business Facilities, 2023; 6Lightcast, 2020, AdvanceCT calculations; 7Lightcast, 2020, AdvanceCT calculations