Connecticut Manufacturing Bus Tour Stops at Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense
Connecticut Manufacturing Bus Tour Stops at Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense
Simsbury, CT – October 15, 2025
As part of Connecticut Manufacturing Month, Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD) proudly welcomed the CBIA Foundation’s second annual Connecticut Manufacturing Bus Tour to its Simsbury headquarters. The weeklong event, held October 13–17, brought together state officials, business leaders, and industry advocates to celebrate the innovation, skill, and collaboration driving Connecticut’s manufacturing economy.
The tour covered more than 600 miles across Connecticut, visiting 20 companies, schools, and workforce partners that represent the strength and diversity of the state’s manufacturing community. Organized by the CBIA Foundation in partnership with CONNSTEP, the initiative spotlighted products ranging from aerospace and defense systems to sustainable materials and luxury packaging—all made in Connecticut.
“Connecticut’s manufacturing industry is a critical part of our state’s economy,” said CBIA President and CEO Chris DiPentima. “We’re bringing more public awareness to our rich manufacturing legacy and the way people are innovating and growing their businesses to support the global economy.”
A Stop at EBAD: Celebrating Innovation in Aerospace and Defense
During the Simsbury stop, visitors toured EBAD’s state-of-the-art facilities and learned about the company’s role in powering NASA missions and supporting national defense. The highlight: an up-close look at EBAD’s Frangible Joint, recently voted the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut for 2025.
The Frangible Joint is a critical component in NASA’s Artemis missions, enabling precise rocket stage separation through a fully contained energetic system.
“We were really excited about winning,” said Edris Raji, President of Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense. “Chocolate is delicious, but not as cool as our Frangible Joint,” he added, referring to the close competition with runner-up Munson’s Chocolates of Bolton.
Throughout the visit, EBAD employees showcased their expertise and innovation through hands-on demonstrations and visual presentations, illustrating the precision and craftsmanship that have defined the company for nearly two centuries.
“Connecticut is the ideal place for EBAD to grow because it allows us to create high-tech, well-paying jobs while building products that will always be essential for space exploration and national defense,” Raji said.
Shining a Light on Connecticut Manufacturing
The tour featured remarks from Kirti Patel, Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer, who emphasized the importance of collaboration and long-term partnerships in sustaining the industry’s growth.
“We’re shining a light on what’s possible when our vision, skill, and partnerships come together,” Patel said. “Connecticut manufacturing is strong—and it’s only getting stronger.”
CONNSTEP President and CEO Beatriz Gutierrez also highlighted the launch of the new CBIA Manufacturing Coalition, a joint effort with CONNSTEP to unite manufacturers and strengthen advocacy on critical industry issues such as workforce development and supply chain challenges.
“Innovation, resilience, and community are what make Connecticut manufacturing thrive,” Gutierrez said. “This coalition comes at a pivotal moment for the industry and will help position manufacturers to grow and succeed.”
About the Connecticut Manufacturing Bus Tour
The 2025 Manufacturing Bus Tour was made possible through the support of CONNSTEP, Walmart, Connecticut State Community College, Connecticut Office of Manufacturing, Chelsea Groton Bank, CBIZ, and J. Morrissey, with additional support from Niagara, David Alan Hospitality Group, and Severance Foods.
About Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense
Founded in 1836, Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD) is a global leader in precision energetic systems and solutions serving the aerospace and defense industries. Headquartered in Simsbury, Connecticut, with additional facilities in Graham, Kentucky, and Moorpark, California, EBAD continues to shape the future of safe, reliable mission success.
Learn more at www.ebad.com/careers
