HARTFORD – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced on Monday that Forrest Machine Inc., a family-owned and operated manufacturer based in Rocky Hill, is this week’s “Murphy’s Monday Manufacturer.” Founded by David Forrest and his father Lloyd in 1973, Forrest Machine is a manufacturer of precision-machined parts, fittings, housings, tees, elbows, and other components for the aerospace and commercial industries. Today, David runs the company with his son, Michael Forrest. 

Forrest Machine employs 65 engineers, machinists, and staff, who manage more than 3,500 part numbers for their customers. Forrest Machine is proud to have seen continued growth over the last several years. They recently added 5,000 square feet to their Rocky Hill facility, and are looking forward to moving into a new, state-of-the-art 55,000 square foot facility in Berlin, Connecticut. 

Murphy said, “Forrest Machine has been manufacturing critical aerospace components for the last 40-plus years, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. I’m grateful to Forrest Machine’s workers for helping keep Connecticut’s manufacturing industry strong, and to the Forrest family for their loyalty to our state.”  

David Forrest, President of Forrest Machine Inc., said, “Manufacturing, particularly aerospace machining, has and will continue to create many job opportunities in Connecticut. Military and commercial spending are robust and we plan to increase our employment in the coming years. Our highly skilled workers and business friendly government policies will be the key to Forrest Machine’s continued success. 

The manufacturing industry plays a crucial role throughout Connecticut communities, creating new jobs and accelerating our state’s economic recovery. Today, Connecticut’s 4,600 manufacturers account for 10% of the state’s jobs and 87% of the state’s total exports. In order to protect and grow manufacturing jobs in Connecticut, Murphy has introduced two pieces of legislation that aim to strengthen existing standards and prioritize the purchase of American-made goods, the BuyAmerican.gov Act and the American Jobs Matter Act.