ManufactureCT names BMS Aerospace first Innovation Award winner

ManufactureCT opened Connecticut Manufacturing Month by honoring BMS Aerospace with its inaugural Innovation Award at its annual celebration Oct. 1 in New Haven. The event also recognized two state lawmakers and a longtime member, underscoring the group's push to spotlight manufacturing innovation, policy support and industry longevity.

Why it matters: - BMS Aerospace’s award highlights how Connecticut manufacturers are using advanced technology to cut production time and create capacity for more work. - ManufactureCT is using the new Innovation Award to recognize measurable business impact, not just new ideas. - The annual celebration also signaled support for policy leaders and long-term industry members that help shape the state’s manufacturing base.

What happened: - ManufactureCT named BMS Aerospace the inaugural recipient of its Innovation Award at its Annual Celebration on Oct. 1 at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven. - The event kicked off Connecticut Manufacturing Month. - ManufactureCT also presented Legislative Leadership Awards to State Senator Rob Sampson and State Representative Tracy Marra. - Microboard received ManufactureCT’s Longevity Award for 20 years of membership.

The details: - BMS Aerospace was recognized for re-engineering aerospace manufacturing processes with advanced 5-axis laser technology and process redesign. - The company reduced manufacturing time by about 92 percent. - The change freed nearly 38,000 hours of annual capacity to meet additional customer demand. - The Innovation Award was created to honor Connecticut manufacturers that show innovation and measurable business impact. - The selection committee included Kirti Patel of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Ted Dinsmore of SphereGen and Ron Angelo of the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology. - The committee evaluated nominees on innovation, ingenuity, business impact, leadership and sustainable results. - Sampson was recognized for efforts to reduce regulatory burdens, control government spending and improve Connecticut’s business climate. - Marra was honored for accessibility to manufacturers and support for policies tied to economic growth, innovation and job creation. - Microboard is a woman-owned electronics manufacturer serving the defense, medical, telecom and industrial sectors. - Nicole Russo leads Microboard as owner, president and CEO. - Connecticut Chief Manufacturing Officer Kirti Patel delivered remarks at the event. - Paul D. Assaiante, Trinity College’s head squash coach and author of Run to the Roar: Coaching to Overcome Fear, gave the keynote address on leadership, resilience and team building.

Between the lines: - The Innovation Award puts a spotlight on operational gains, which suggests Connecticut manufacturing groups are looking for proof of efficiency, not just adoption of new tools. - The legislative awards show ManufactureCT is trying to keep policy pressure on issues that manufacturers say affect costs, growth and hiring. - Honoring Microboard alongside the innovation winner and lawmakers points to a broader message: the organization wants to recognize both technology change and industry continuity.

What's next: - BMS Aerospace is expected to continue combining advanced technology with decades of manufacturing experience to expand its capabilities. - ManufactureCT will likely keep using its annual celebration to elevate manufacturers, policymakers and sector leaders across Connecticut. - The organization will also continue building its statewide forum for manufacturing and business leaders as it advances the sector.

The bottom line: - ManufactureCT used its annual celebration to frame Connecticut manufacturing around efficiency, policy support and long-term industry strength, with BMS Aerospace as the clearest example of technology-driven gains.