Manufacturing group marks 95th year

By Register Staff

NEW HAVEN - Beginning today, area manufacturers are celebrating New Haven Manufacturers Association Week, an effort to showcase the manufacturing industry's impact on the Connecticut economy as the association celebrates its 95th anniversary.

"We have had an illustrious history and new opportunities involving high-tech compositions, nano-materials, plastics and ceramics are being nurtured and developed," said New Haven Manufacturers Association President Ken Dugan. "We believe that manufacturing will continue to be the lifeblood of the Connecticut economy and will have the flexibility to create new and emerging technologies."

The week-long celebration comes as the association prepares to mark its 95th anniversary at its annual holiday event at 4 p.m. Thursday at the Graduate Club, 155 Elm St.

The association, founded in 1913, aims to boost public awareness of the importance of a strong manufacturing sector, identify and promote fair trade policies, prepare Connecticut students for the manufacturing work force, use and create cutting-edge technologies, and maintain a skilled and productive work force.

Association officials said the group remains particularly dedicated to those goals as the state and nation face ongoing economic woes.

New Haven Manufacturers Association Week runs through Saturday.

"This week is an opportunity for many people to rethink their ideas about manufacturing in the New Haven area," said association Executive Director Jerry Clupper. "Manufacturing is not dead - it is different. It is high-tech and innovative. It's as critical to our future as it was to our past."

In Greater New Haven, there are more than 1,500 manufacturers with more than 30,000 employees, he said.