The Lee Company plans manufacturing expansion in Connecticut and South Carolina

The Lee Company said Aug. 26 it is acquiring two manufacturing facilities in Beacon Falls, Connecticut, and Rock Hill, South Carolina, to expand production capacity and support growth. The move is designed to speed new product development, meet rising customer demand and create jobs for skilled manufacturing workers.

Why it matters: - The planned acquisitions expand The Lee Company’s manufacturing footprint and add capacity for future growth. - The new space is intended to support higher production volumes, faster product launches and increased demand across global markets. - The expansion is expected to create jobs for skilled machinists and other manufacturing professionals.

What happened: - The Lee Company announced plans to acquire a 35,000-square-foot manufacturing building in Beacon Falls, Connecticut. - The company also plans to acquire an 84,500-square-foot manufacturing facility in Rock Hill, South Carolina. - The announcement was made Aug. 26, 2026, from Westbrook, Connecticut. - CEO Marietta Lee said demand for the company’s precision fluid control components continues to grow.

The details: - The two facilities are expected to provide space and infrastructure for production growth and new technology introductions. - The Beacon Falls site is expected to help support operations tied to The Lee Company’s Connecticut manufacturing base. - Earlier this year, The Lee Company began acquiring assets from Petron Automation, a precision CNC Swiss machining and contract manufacturing company in Watertown, Connecticut. - As part of that transaction, plans were developed to maintain operations, retain skilled employees and continue production under The Lee Company. - Employees and equipment from Petron Automation are expected to relocate to the Beacon Falls facility. - The Lee Company says the expansion complements continued investment in its Connecticut-based manufacturing operations. - The company said the acquisitions support its long-term growth strategy.

Between the lines: - The expansion suggests The Lee Company is preparing for more demand without relying on a single site or state. - Moving assets and staff from Petron Automation into Beacon Falls could help preserve specialized manufacturing capabilities while integrating them into a larger operation. - The South Carolina facility adds geographic reach beyond Connecticut, which may improve flexibility in serving customers and managing production.

What's next: - The Lee Company expects the acquisitions to move forward as part of its next phase of growth. - The company plans to use the new facilities to support existing programs and pursue new opportunities. - More hiring could follow as the company builds out the expanded manufacturing base.

The bottom line: - The Lee Company is making a two-state manufacturing bet to increase capacity, strengthen supply and support future growth.