BRISTOL — Arthur G. Russell Company Inc. at 750 Clark Ave. is the focus of U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy’s weekly manufacturing spotlight, "Murphy’s Monday Manufacturer."

Founded in 1945 and operating in a facility that spans nearly 83,000-square-feet, AGR designs and manufactures customized high-speed, automatic assembly and packaging systems for automotive, medical device, consumer, and electronics industries.

Machines are used in the production of syringes, blood collection tubes, pen needles, and many other products. Murphy said AGR has additionally manufactured a system that can produce up to 1,800 medical syringe needles per minute.

With more than 120 employees, the Bristol manufacturer serves customers worldwide and right here in Connecticut, including Trumbull’s CooperSurgical Inc., as well as Becton Dickinson & Co., Covidien Ltd. and Smiths Medical, each with facilities the state. Since 2014, AGR has acquired Bodine Automation Technology (formerly based in Bridgeport), hired 22 new employees, added 4,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space, and purchased six new pieces of equipment for its machining center.

"AGR is very involved in the Bristol community and takes pride in holding annual blood drives and in sponsoring various activities for the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol," said Murphy. "Each year, AGR provides scholarships to two Bristol public high school graduates who plan to pursue Electrical & Control Systems or Mechanical Engineering."

The manufacturer also sponsors the high school robotics team, Team Operation Practicing Engineering and Competitive Cooperative Excellence. Under AGR’s mentorship, Operation PEACCE has this year won its first two competitions.

"In 70 years, AGR has patented a whopping 19 inventions in automation and turned a homegrown business into a $24-million a year manufacturing company," said Murphy. "They are a civic-minded company that has been a mainstay of Connecticut’s manufacturing industry and a constant employer to dozens of Connecticut families. I am proud to fight for policies in Washington every single day to support them."

Said Mark Burzynski, president of Arthur G. Russell, "We strive to earn recognition for the innovation and quality of our equipment, the integrity and talent of our employees and to be a positive influence on the community."