More than 225 business leaders learned about limitless opportunities in the drone industry at the Annual Meeting of ManufactureCT held on September 28, 2021 at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven, Connecticut. As the state’s most prominent non-profit manufacturing association, ManufactureCT provides professional development, resources and information, advocacy and outreach, networking and ongoing support to a diversity of manufacturers and related industries operating in the area.
The evening began with an in-person networking for the manufacturing professionals, along with a welcome address by Executive Director Jamison Scott, full-course dinner and the President’s Message from Jill Mayer. The award for Outstanding Leadership in Government Affairs was presented to State Representative Kara Rochelle & State Senator Joan Hartley.
Keynote speaker Barry Alexander, Founder and CEO of Aquiline Drones in Hartford, inspired the group by explaining his company’s new decentralizing manufacturing system – the Aquiline Agile Manufacturing Pod, or AMP, a portable, high-tech workstation that can be installed in homes, businesses, even the military battlefield, to address the growing demand for drone services. Each mobile AMP workspace transforms any 12 x 12-foot area into a mini manufactory center that can house one-three workers and come equipped with a 3-D printer, tools, electronic components, hardware, and partitions.
Additionally, Alexander shared how he constructed Connecticut’s only drone manufacturing plant during the pandemic, explained the necessity of hiring local talent in partnership with Capital Workforce Partners and CTHires, as well as the importance of producing American-made UAVs for state and national security.
“Barry’s message was a powerful call to action for our state manufacturing industry to move into the high-tech sector,” said Scott. “His incredible story of triumph over adversity captivated every manufacturing, political and business leader in the room.”
Attendees were also able to see Aquiline Drones’ popular Spartacus Max UAV up close on display. The commercial drone fulfills a variety of tasks for the manufacturing industry, such as asset inspection, plant maintenance and employee surveillance.
Earlier this year, Aquiline Drones was heralded as a shining example of Connecticut’s economic growth by Governor Ned Lamont as the first the first Black owned, Made-in-the-USA drone manufacturing and assembly plant in Connecticut.
About ManufactureCT
Formed in 1913, ManufactureCT changed its name in 2020 from New Haven Manufacturers Association because it now attracts members from across the state representing diverse verticals within Connecticut’s manufacturing sector. Outreach initiatives have successfully diversified the organization, growing its cohorts of young manufacturers and women in manufacturing. More at https://manufacturect.org/
PHOTO: Barry Alexander, Founder and CEO of Aquiline Drones, addresses more than 225 top leaders at the ManufactureCT annual meeting on September 28, 2021at Anthony's Ocean View in New Haven, Conn.
