TIGHITCO expands Navy composite manufacturing in Connecticut

TIGHITCO is expanding advanced composite manufacturing at its Berlin, Connecticut facility with a $500,000 state grant and a $1.8 million capital investment. The project is meant to improve production capacity, support current and future U.S. Navy programs, and strengthen the domestic defense industrial base.

Why it matters: - TIGHITCO's expansion is aimed at improving the U.S. Navy's supply chain, production capacity and readiness for future defense programs. - The project adds advanced manufacturing capacity in Connecticut, supporting both national security and high-skilled aerospace jobs. - State and federal support is helping speed adoption of next-generation composite manufacturing technologies.

What happened: - TIGHITCO announced an expansion of its advanced composite manufacturing capabilities for current and future U.S. Navy programs. - The work will take place at TIGHITCO's Berlin, Connecticut facility. - The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development awarded TIGHITCO a $500,000 grant. - TIGHITCO is making a $1.8 million capital investment in the Berlin facility. - The company is also participating in a federally funded advanced manufacturing initiative focused on next-generation composite manufacturing technologies.

The details: - The expansion is designed to support technologies that improve readiness, affordability and resilience across the U.S. defense industrial base. - The DECD grant is intended to help fund the capital investment and expand capabilities that support Navy programs. - The federal initiative is aimed at strengthening the Navy's supply chain and improving domestic manufacturing capacity. - TIGHITCO is investing in the SQRTM® process as part of the effort to improve production efficiency, quality and manufacturing capacity. - The company said the new capability will help it better meet evolving U.S. Navy mission requirements. - TIGHITCO said the project reflects a long-term strategy tied to Navy modernization efforts and other defense aerospace programs. - The company says the expansion will help create high-value manufacturing jobs and deliver composite solutions for defense customers. - TIGHITCO said the project benefits from support from the State of Connecticut, federal partners, Connecticut DECD and AdvanceCT. - More information is available on the company's website.

Between the lines: - The grant is being framed as more than funding; it is being positioned as a state-federal partnership that helps draw advanced manufacturing investment into Connecticut. - The emphasis on supply chain resilience and domestic capacity reflects broader concerns in defense manufacturing about dependency on constrained or overseas suppliers. - The SQRTM® investment suggests TIGHITCO is trying to differentiate itself through process improvements, not just added floor space.

What's next: - TIGHITCO will implement the expansion at its Berlin facility. - The company is expected to keep advancing composite manufacturing technologies for Navy and other defense aerospace work. - The project should continue as state and federal support is translated into installed capacity and production output.