We've all read a variety of articles that address what seems to be an on-going debate as to whether the state's economy is rebounding...or not. Some dismiss "the signals" as election-year rhetoric. Mountains of statistics are sent from both sides of the aisle that often depict very different pictures. Different perspectives are welcome, however, they've left many of us wondering whether our State's economy is recovering or floundering...or worse.
Well..."the signals" are a bit more clear in Wallingford. Within the last several months we've written about businesses expanding on our Route 5 retail corridor. Most recently we wrote about the dependability of our municipally owned power grid that provides us the moniker of having the lowest electric rates in all of CT. That story also mentioned our reasonable water/sewer rates as the town owns its water authority as well.
Today I'd like to share what we feel are encouraging byproducts of a solid utility infrastructure and a business friendly community that offers its residents many great quality of life amenities...and...what we feel is a signal that our local economy is moving in the right direction...growth in our manufacturing sector.
Holo-Krome, a worldwide provider of standard and custom designed fastener solutions has a sizeable manufacturing facility in Wallingford. John Brazil, manufacturing production manager/recruiter, contacted our Economic Development office to share that increases in customer orders has created many job opportunities in his facility. We're working collectively, and I will add successfully, to place people in these well-paying, stable manufacturing jobs at Holo-Krome. A good economic signal!
According to Frank DiCristina, site manager for Allnex USA, Inc., they are actively evaluating opportunities for new product expansion in their Wallingford plant which will add new jobs at the local facility. "As a global player in the coatings resins business, we've enjoyed a history in Wallingford and have benefitted through the versatility and talent of a very dedicated workforce," said DiCristina.
On a smaller scale, but certainly every bit as important, is Technical Metal Finishing, a technology based surface enhancement company servicing the aero/industrial and medical OEM's for more than twenty years. TMF vice president, Phillip Milidantri, has recently completed a 6,000 s/f expansion to his Wallingford manufacturing facility.
EJ Electrical Installation Company, est. 1899, has recently purchased a 44,000 s/f facility on North Plains Industrial Road as they have outgrown their previous location in town.
During a recent visit with Robert Friedland, president/CEO of Proton On Site (a leader in the on-site generation of hydrogen and nitrogen), he shared plans for an approved 20,000 s/f plant expansion to his Wallingford manufacturing facility that kicks off in the spring of 2015.
In addition to the activity in the manufacturing sector, we're actively working with companies in both the technology and retail sectors that have Wallingford in their sights. So, reading "the signals," it appears that many local companies are moving their respective businesses in the right direction.
In the event that this article is not enough of a commercial message as to why your business should consider Wallingford in its growth plans, I offer the following as a representation of the many attributes we refer to as our "sustainable competitive advantages." Our residents and business partners benefit from the political stability we've become accustomed to. Our ongoing efforts to manage our mill rate is highlighted as our Equalized Mill Rate is amongst the lowest in the state and our fiscal stability continues to earn Wallingford triple-A bond ratings. Our aforementioned low utility rates continue to be a welcome mat for all who participate in our community. Throw in our superior location, given our access to the state's highways systems and central location between New York and Boston, and you have the best in rural living while having access to scores of recreational and leisure options...a recipe for success on multiple fronts.
I welcome your inquiry and invite you to peruse our web site www.plugin2wallingford.com to learn more about our fine community.

Tim Ryan is economic development specialist for the Town of Wallingford EDC.