BMS Aerospace wins ManufactureCT’s first Innovation Award

BMS Aerospace took home ManufactureCT's inaugural Innovation Award. (Tina Bracone, president of BMS Aerospace, is left of trophy.) — BMS Aerospace took home ManufactureCT’s inaugural Innovation Award. (Tina Bracone, president of BMS Aerospace, is left of trophy.)

ManufactureCT named BMS Aerospace the first recipient of its Innovation Award at its Annual Celebration on Oct. 1 in New Haven. The event kicked off Connecticut Manufacturing Month. BMS was recognized for using advanced technology to improve efficiency in its aerospace manufacturing processes.

The award was created to recognize Connecticut manufacturers that show innovation and measurable business impact. Nominees were judged on innovation, ingenuity, business impact, leadership, and sustainable results. The selection committee included Kirti Patel of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Ted Dinsmore of SphereGen, and Ron Angelo of the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology.

BMS re-engineered established aerospace manufacturing processes using advanced 5-axis laser technology and process redesign. “By combining new technology with decades of manufacturing knowledge, BMS reduced manufacturing time by approximately 92 percent, freeing nearly 38,000 hours of annual capacity to support additional customer demand,” said Mike Rocheleau, ManufactureCT board president and executive vice president of PTA Plastics.

CEO Nicole Russo (right) of Microboard receives ManufactureCT’s Longevity Award, recognizing 20 years of membership in the organization, from Mike Rocheleau, ManufactureCT board president (left).

BMS Aerospace President Tina Bracone said the win would not have been possible without the company’s staff and culture. “Innovation is a force multiplier requiring both the vision and commitment to challenge the status quo,” she said. She added that the company plans to keep combining its manufacturing expertise with advanced technology to strengthen its capabilities.

The celebration, held at Anthony’s Ocean View, also honored two legislative leaders and a longtime member. State Sen. Rob Sampson and state Rep. Tracy Marra received Legislative Leadership Awards. Sampson was recognized for his work on regulatory burdens, government spending, and the state’s business climate, while Marra was honored for her accessibility to manufacturers and support for policies promoting economic growth, innovation, and job creation.

Microboard received the Longevity Award for 20 years of membership in ManufactureCT. The woman-owned electronics manufacturer serves the defense, medical, telecom, and industrial sectors and is led by owner, president, and CEO Nicole Russo.

The evening also featured remarks from Connecticut Chief Manufacturing Officer Kirti Patel. Keynote speaker Paul Assaiante, the Trinity College squash head coach and author of Run to the Roar: Coaching to Overcome Fear, shared lessons on leadership, resilience, and building successful teams from his career in collegiate athletics.

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BMS Aerospace wins ManufactureCT’s first Innovation Award