Boardman Silversmiths Inc. To Grow, Move

The state of Connecticut will aid Boardman Silversmiths Inc.'s move from Meriden to Wallingford, ensuring the company and its 11 employees stay in Connecticut. The company also plans to create 10 more jobs within three years.

The company was looking for a larger facility to expand its line of silver and pewter products by as much as 33 percent and plans to add new and more efficient tools and dies to its inventory of equipment. Georgia officials contacted Burton Boardman about moving his business there, but after working with Connecticut officials, a Wallingford site was chosen as a prime location.

The state Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is assisting this project with a $147,512, low-interest loan through the Small Manufacturers Competitiveness Fund to help the company purchase machinery and equipment and upgrade their new facility.

T.D. and Sherman Boardman first established a pewter and silver business in Hartford along the Connecticut River in 1798. Eventually other family members set up shop in other cities. These businesses have been passed down through nine generations of Boardmans, with the name becoming is synonymous with quality and fine craftsmanship in silver and pewter manufacturing. Burton Boardman, who purchased his business from his father Joseph in 1985, plans to sell to his sons, daughter, niece or nephew.

Robinson Helicopter Beats Production Record

Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) produced 893 civil helicopters in 2008, surpassing its prior record of 823 set in 2007.

Founded in 1973 by Frank Robinson, the California-based company has about 1,200 employees and has a global network of more than 110 factory-authorized dealers and 290 service centers in 50 countries, including China and Russia.

In Connecticut, for authorized sales and service contact Helicopter Support Services, Trumbull, (203) 416-4300; Northeast Helicopters Flight Service, Ellington, (860) 871-2054. For additional information and listings by state, visit www.robinsonheli.com.

Manufacturers Part of Economic Stimulus, Jan. 30

Would $2 million help Connecticut small manufacturers create and retain jobs? That amount is expected to be approved by the State Bond Commission at its meeting on Jan. 30.

The $2 million is included in the Governor’s $525 million Connecticut Stimulus Package that is part of the Jan. 30 State Bond Commission agenda.

For the way companies outside the state size up potential locations to grow business, see Expansion Management magazine online - state by state the publication lists pros and cons for site selection.

The more than 5,000 manufacturers in Connecticut employ 190,000 people and account for about 12 percent of the gross state product. Manufacturing also accounts for nearly 83 percent of Connecticut exports, one of the strongest and growing economic sectors of the state.

If approved, the stimulus money would fund the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) loans and grants of up to $200,000 to manufacturers through the Governor’s Small Manufacturers Competitiveness Fund. Loans can be used for plant expansion, machinery and equipment purchases, relocation, technical support and financial assistance.

Some Manufacturers Fold, Others Grow

This is a Xebra owner registration card, from ZAP electric vehicle company (ZAP stands for zero air pollution). The California company makes advanced technology vehicles, delivering more than 100,000 of them in more than 75 countries.

Integrity Automotive, LLC, is partnering with ZAP (OTCBB: ZAAP) in a new venture to manufacture all-electric vehicles.

Integrity has completed an application for a $200 million loan from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program.

"These are major steps forward in our effort to make Kentucky the first state in the nation to manufacture all-electric vehicles," said Randall Waldman, Integrity CEO.



Kentucky state government last year approved economic development incentives for Integrity Automotive, and issued a new regulation making ZAP electric vehicles legal for use on limited access Kentucky highways. Franklin and Simpson County, (Kentucky) officials reached an agreement with Integrity last year to locate the automaker's Kentucky manufacturing facility at a 270-acre site there.

Integrity Automotive, LLC, is a privately-held company headquartered in Shepherdsville. It will solely own and operate its future electric-vehicle manufacturing facility in Franklin. The company has an exclusive worldwide manufacturing agreement with ZAP to build fuel-efficient transportation products at the new facility, subject to certain terms and conditions.

The Franklin plant is projected to produce more than 100,000 vehicles annually and employ up to 4,000 people.