STRATFORD – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced that Straton Industries, a second-generation, family-run manufacturer, is this week’s “Murphy’s Monday Manufacturer.” Founded in 1961, Straton Industries manufactures parts, molds, tools, dies, and stampings for customers in the aerospace, automotive, energy, medical, military, and robotics industries. With the support of over 60 hardworking employees, the manufacturer provides CNC machining, 3-D printing, welding, heat treating, jig grinding, and other services out of three facilities in Stratford. 

Straton Industries highly values its workers and offers various programs to retain and expand their workforce. The manufacturer provides ongoing safety programs and monthly incentives to its employees, and works regularly with Platt Technical High School to help prospective engineers and machinists kick-start careers in Connecticut’s manufacturing industry. 

Over the last few years, Straton Industries has supplied valve housings and other components for both manned and unmanned space missions, including the Space Shuttle Program and the International Space Station. They also manufactured the mechanical rock drilling components on Mars Science Laboratory’s rover, Curiosity, which is currently on a mission to determine if Mars is suitable to support life. Additionally, Straton Industries’ Turbo parts can be found on Chevrolet’s Corvette model, and the company is currently working with Sikorsky Aircraft on the CH-53K Helicopter. 

Murphy said, “It’s clear to me that what makes Connecticut manufacturers so successful are the highly skilled men and women who work behind the scenes, creating some of the most advanced products in the world. That’s why it’s great that Straton Industries helps students at Platt learn first-hand what it takes to manufacture the parts that power space exploration and improve the world we live in. Connecticut’s past, present, and future is in manufacturing, and I’m confident that Straton Industries and its workforce will continue to be a key partner in this industry.”

Dave Cremin, President of Straton Industries, said, “Connecticut offers an excellent skilled work force. The state is known for its technical competence and experience in sophisticated manufacturing projects. The state has embraced partnering with industry to support skilled workforce training. That is key to Connecticut attaining a global competitive manufacturing environment.  Senator Murphy ‘gets it’ when it comes to building a strong manufacturing environment.”

The manufacturing industry plays a crucial role throughout Connecticut communities, creating new jobs and accelerating our state’s economic recovery. Today, Connecticut’s 4,602 manufacturers account for 10.2% 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 21st Century Buy American Act and the American Jobs Matter Act.