Connecticut manufacturing picks up slightly, gaining jobs for a second straight year

According to new data released this week by MNI, hiring in Connecticut’s manufacturing sector picked up steam, led by steady growth in some of the state’s top industries. MNI, compiler and publisher of the industrial information that powers IndustryNet, reports Connecticut manufacturing employment edged up by about 785 jobs, or a half percent between June 2016 and June 2017.

This marks the state’s second straight year of modest gains, and, hopefully, a reversal of the steep losses the state suffered during the recession.

Overall, Connecticut's manufacturing sector has struggled to add manufacturing jobs in the post-recession era as global competition took hold, a strong dollar made exports more expensive, and a tough business climate had some manufacturers shutting their doors.

While many states in the U.S. recovered some, if not all, jobs lost during the recession, hiring in Connecticut’s manufacturing sector all but flatlined, with the state’s industrial employment inching down another 4% between June 2010 and June 2015.

The gains of the past two years, however, suggest things are looking up for Connecticut manufacturing and some exciting projects planned for the future will hopefully keep hiring humming at a steady clip.

Where hiring was strongest

MNI reported Connecticut industries that led employment growth included some of the state’s top sectors by number of manufacturing jobs, including transportation equipment, which inched up by 76 jobs; fabricated metals, which added 1.5% to its workforce, and industrial machinery, which grew by 1%. The state’s gain would have been larger were it not for losses in the state’s paper products industry, which fell by 8% after trash bag manufacturer Fortune Plastics shuttered its Old Saybrook location and consolidated production at other U.S. locations. Connecticut’s electronics industry also shed jobs, as did its primary metals sector, down 3.2% and 2.8%, respectively.

Job gains were recorded across most of Connecticut’s top cities as well, with Stratford posting a half percent gain and North Haven adding 2.9% to its workforce. Norwalk and Groton each added 1%.

Industrial jobs declined, however, in Stamford, down 1% and Danbury, down 1.9%.

Skilled workforce, innovation boosts Connecticut manufacturing

Connecticut’s greatest asset remains its highly-educated workforce, which has drawn numerous innovative and advanced manufacturing operations to its borders over the years, and ranks as one of the best in the nation. Connecticut is home to some major players, running the manufacturing gambit from sophisticated aircraft makers like Sikorsky in Stratford and UTC Aerospace, to major medical equipment suppliers like Medtronic.

Many small operations are thriving in the state as well. Following new legislation aimed at nurturing innovation places through CTNext, Connecticut has helped launch a growing number of small start-up manufacturing operations, like Hartford Flavor Co. which manufactures botanical liqueurs, and Hog River Brewing, to name a few.

Recent announcements, such as the establishment of SCA Pharmaceuticals’ new facility in Windsor and the opening of innovative cleaning products maker MicroCare’s new plant in New Britain are further evidence of the state’s ability to supply skilled workers and foster innovation. Other new additions to Connecticut’s industrial sector include Intelligent Audio Products’ new audio speaker manufacturing facility in Bridgeport, and Serta Simmons’ plans to establish a new plant in Windsor Locks as a part of their ongoing expansion.

Connecticut has gone a long way in partnering with community colleges to bring more skilled workers to its industrial sector, launching successful programs like the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center, a major endeavor which fast-tracks students into manufacturing careers and promises a 98% placement rate. The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology has helped numerous Connecticut manufacturers thrive by implementing new technologies, and recently reported that the fuel cell industry in the state is poised for an expansion.

Doing business in Connecticut, however, can be rife with challenges. The state’s cost of doing business is among the highest in the nation – a factor that often rules a manufacturer’s site selection decision. A recent study found operating costs for a typical manufacturing plant in Connecticut is the second-highest in the U.S., just behind New Jersey. This is based on payroll expenses, amortization costs, taxes, and other factors. Pharmaceutical giant Alexion’s recent announcement of its plans to move its HQ , and the staggering loss of General Electric’s Fairfield Headquarters are among some notable examples of companies leaving Connecticut.

By the Numbers

Connecticut’s 4,946 industrial companies employ 205,425 workers. Here’s a breakdown of the numbers:

Leading Connecticut industries by employment:

18% Transportation equipment
13% Fabricated metal products
13% Industrial machinery and equipment
9% Instruments and related products
9% Printing and publishing

Connecticut counties with the most industrial jobs:

Hartford - 71,600 jobs
Fairfield - 56,588 jobs
New Haven - 50,148 jobs
New London - 12,419 jobs
Middlesex - 12,080 jobs

Connecticut cities with the most manufacturing jobs:

Stratford - 10,588 jobs
Bristol - 8,731 jobs
North Haven - 8,051 jobs
Norwalk - 6,990 jobs
Danbury - 6,907 jobs

Top companies in Connecticut by number of industrial jobs

Sikorsky, A Lockheed Martin Co. (Stratford) - 7,500 jobs
Electric Boat Corp. (Groton) - 5,936 jobs
Medtronic, Inc. (North Haven) - 5,200 jobs
ESPN, Inc. (Bristol) - 5,000 jobs
UTC Aerospace Systems (Windsor Locks) - 4,000 jobs

For more information on manufacturers in Connecticut (and beyond)

MNI’s extensive manufacturing data powers IndustryNet, an industrial marketplace that connects buyers with suppliers. IndustryNet allows users to search and source more than ten thousand types of products, parts, supplies, and services for free. IndustryNet® lists every U.S. manufacturer plus thousands of wholesalers & distributors and industrial service providers. To connect with industrial suppliers in Connecticut and across the U.S. start your search on IndustryNet. Or, to access detailed profiles of Connecticut’s 4,946 manufactures and their 13,900 executives, learn more about MNI’s EZSelect database subscription.