BRISTOL — City manufacturer Bauer Inc. was the focus last week of U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy’s weekly manufacturing spotlight, “Murphy’s Monday Manufacturer.”

Founded in 1916 by Connecticut resident Frank Bauer, Bauer Inc. develops and manufactures test and support equipment, such as engine test stands, fuel component test stands, propeller brake pneumatic system test stands, wheel and brake equipment adapters, as well as oxygen mask testers for the commercial and military aerospace sectors. The manufacturer operates out of two state-of-the-art facilities on Century Drive. The company’s main facility spans 50,000 square feet and their second facility spans 10,000 square feet.

With the help of Bauer Inc.’s 90 employees, the Bristol manufacturer delivers products to United Technologies Aerospace Systems, Pratt & Whitney, and other customers located in more than 70 countries around the world.

“Bauer Inc. takes pride in the fact that while they operate out of Connecticut, 60 percent of their sales come from international customers,” said Murphy. “The Bauer Inc. team is currently looking to hire new workers for 10 positions and is working to expand their business over the next few years.”

Added Murphy, “Connecticut manufacturers thrive when they can sell their products to people around the world. And with a business model that simultaneously prioritizes American manufacturing and international sales, Bauer is showing us how it’s done. As Bauer celebrates its 100th anniversary, I will continue to fight for smart policies that help them and the thousands of other Connecticut manufacturers grow their businesses.”
Lou Auletta, Bauer’s president and chief executive officer, said the availability and quality of the staff and workmanship and the support of the state’s agencies has helped create its success. “Through ongoing cooperation, we are confident that we will be able to continue to grow and expand our business in Connecticut,” said Auletta.

The manufacturing industry plays a crucial role throughout Connecticut communities, creating new jobs and accelerating the state’s economic recovery. Today, Connecticut’s 4,602 manufacturers account for 10.2 percent of the state’s jobs and 87 percent of the state’s total exports. In order to protect and grow manufacturing jobs in Connecticut, Murphy has introduced two pieces of legislation that aim to strengthen existing standards and prioritize the purchase of American-made goods, the 21st Century Buy American Act and the American Jobs Matter Act.