An aerospace manufacturer that relocated from Springfield, Massachusetts, to Enfield formally opened its new facility Thursday, marking an expansion of its manufacturing capacity.
New York-based private equity firm RVE Partners acquired Springfield-based AeroBond in 2019 as part of WHI Global, its growing aerospace manufacturing venture.
Since then, the company has expanded AeroBond’s production capabilities to manufacture more complex aerospace and defense components, including helicopter ejection apparatus and helicopter blade sheathing, in addition to lighter composite electronic housings.
The expansion has contributed to increased demand from defense industry customers, company officials said.
The move to Enfield shifted operations from a nearly century-old Springfield facility with multiple disconnected sections to a building at 215 Moody Road with 78,000-square-feet of open floorspace, along with additional space. The former warehouse was renovated to accommodate manufacturing operations, including installation of heavy equipment, freezers and a clean room.
Connecticut officials said the company’s relocation was supported by more than $800,000 in state incentives, along with assistance from AdvanceCT, the state’s nonprofit business recruitment organization.
WHI Global said all roughly 30 employees from the Springfield facility transitioned to the Enfield plant. The company is also seeking to hire an additional five to 10 workers as it prepares for expected growth in orders.
“Today is not just about opening a building, it’s about investing in growth, it’s about investing in American manufacturing and investing in the future of aerospace and defense production right here in Connecticut,” said David Caputo, founder and managing partner of RVE Partners.
