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June 27, 2019 Deal Watch Today

E. Hartford manufacturer consolidates CT operations amid invites to leave state

Photo | Horst Engineering and Manufacturing Co. Horst Engineering and Manufacturing Co. is currently based at 36 Cedar St. in East Hartford.
By Joe Cooper

East Hartford aerospace components maker Horst Engineering and Manufacturing Co. said it’s consolidating its three Connecticut locations into a newly acquired facility in its home town.

The 73-year-old manufacturer, which makes axles, knobs, levers, nuts and bolts for aerospace applications, recently announced that it acquired a 7-acre parcel at 141 Prestige Park Road for $1.45 million to serve as its new headquarters. It plans to renovate the property’s 100,566-square-foot masonry building built in 1971.

Horst will repair the structure’s roof, electrical, lighting and HVAC systems, among other upgrades, said Horst CEO and President Scott Livingston. He estimates the project will take more than a year to complete and will cost more than the acquisition price.

The relocation means 110 Horst employees from two locations in East Hartford and a third in South Windsor will move to the new facility.

“The strategic decision to move will provide significant efficiencies for our team, allowing us to operate under one roof and enjoy a fantastic work environment,” Livingston said. “With the additional space, we will gain flexibility to develop new processes and expand organically, while considering future acquisitions.”

Livingston said the company gets sales pitches “every week” from other states seeking to relocate the company. But he said Horst will continue calling Connecticut home due to its skilled workforce in the heart of its supply chain ecosystem located in the region.

“Connecticut has a strong, educated, incumbent labor force that helps to counterbalance the high cost of doing business,” Livingston said. “The extent of our expansion will depend on the strength of our customers, the economy and the business climate.”

He continued: “Our hope is that policy makers recognize that they need to do less harm to the small and mid-size businesses that drive the success of our state and this industry.”

In 2015, Horst moved its factory operations in Mexico back to Connecticut and built up its current headquarters at 36 Cedar St. in East Hartford.

Horst currently has 10 jobs openings, and expects to add more employees following the completion of repairs to its factory in Lynn, Mass., where it owns Sterling Machine Co.

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