WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced machined parts and weldments fabricator Hillery Company in Groton is this week’s “Murphy’s Monday Manufacturer.” Founded in 1952, Hillery Company specializes in the manufacturing of weldments and machine parts for defense contractors like Electric Boat, L3 Technologies, Lockheed Martin, the U.S. Navy, and more. Hillery Company has found a lot of success with the launch of the Navy’s Columbia-class submarine program. The company’s fabricators are in or have completed a four-year apprenticeship requiring 8,000 hours of hands on training and class work, which include job training, welding, blueprint reading, and many more skills required to properly serve the needs of the Navy. The company works out of a 10,000 square foot facility in Groton and employs 15 people. 

Hillery is actively involved in their community. Each year, Hillery partners with the Aluminum Falcons, the Robert Fitch High School robotics team, by providing water jet and formed parts for the robots the students develop for their competitions throughout the year. After each season, the students present an overview of their accomplishments in front of Hillery Co. staff. 

“Right here in Connecticut, Hillery continues to provide quality services that are essential to the defense of our country. And Hillery is committed to making sure the next generation of manufacturers in Connecticut are equipped with the skills necessary to master their craft. I’m proud to highlight them,” said Murphy. 

“Our staff at Hillery is very proud to be part of the chain that ultimately provides our Navy with the most advanced weapons platform the world has ever seen. I have witnessed young families flourish with jobs that provide not only financial stability but also the secure feeling knowing folks get when they have great insurance and a retirement. We thank Senator Murphy for all of his hard work, and look forward to having him continue to secure work for Connecticut workers providing the security our Nation needs,” said Joe de la Cruz, vice president of operations for Hillery Co. 

The manufacturing industry plays a crucial role throughout Connecticut communities, creating new jobs and accelerating our state’s economic recovery. Today, Connecticut’s 4,600 manufacturers account for 10% of the state’s jobs and 87% 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 BuyAmerican.gov Act and the American Jobs Matter Act.

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