Major West Hartford Manufacturer Dedicates Large Expansion

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A local aviation industry manufacturer celebrated a major accomplishment Tuesday as it officially dedicated an expansion allowing it to employ 100 more workers.

With many state and local dignitaries present, Triumph Group, Inc. celebrated the grand opening of its new Thermal Solutions Development Center.

The West Hartford division is named "TRIUMPH Systems, Electronics & Controls" and it is located at 1 Charter Oak Blvd., West Hartford.

According to the company, it marks a "key milestone in the company’s substantial investment in Connecticut’s aerospace industry."

The addition will help to develop advanced cooling systems for both military and civilian aircraft.

Triumph executives, members of government, and workers cut the ribbon on a new facility Tuesday morning.

The expansion will support more than 100 jobs in addition to the company’s more than 650 Connecticut-based employees.

"The Thermal Solutions Development Center is a key part of Triumph’s broader strategy to enhance its thermal capabilities and offerings for military and civilian aircraft, specifically production of advanced thermal management systems that increase the cooling capacity of aircraft," wrote the company.

The new Center was made possible through key support from the State of Connecticut; the State Department of Economic and Community Development, along with Connecticut Innovations.

Triumph benefitted from government loans for the project, alongside a sales and use tax exemption to assist Triumph’s investment of $12 million.

“We are proud to call West Hartford and Connecticut home and are deeply committed to the continued growth of our operations here,” said Justin Wolfanger, president of Triumph Systems, Electronics and Controls.

“This new facility not only enhances our ability to innovate and meet the demands of our defense customers, it also strengthens our ties to local suppliers and our West Hartford community. The investments we’ve made, alongside the state’s support, will enable Triumph to remain a leader in aerospace technology and job creation for years to come.”

Also on hand were Gov. Ned Lamont; U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District; CT Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe; West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor; state Sen. Derek Slap, D-West Hartford; state Rep. Kate Farrar, D-West Hartford; and other local and community leaders.

All on hand praised the new addition and what it will mean for West Hartford's local business and employment scene.

“This is a huge win for Connecticut and a prime example of how public and private partnerships can strengthen our economy and national security,” said Lamont.

“For decades, Connecticut has been at the forefront of aerospace innovation, and Triumph’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities right here in West Hartford ensures that legacy continues. We are proud to partner with Triumph and look forward to more celebrations in the years to come.”

Larson and others at the event agreed.

“I applaud Triumph for expanding their West Hartford operations, which will support at least 100 more good-paying jobs,” said Larson. “Connecticut is a global leader in aerospace manufacturing and innovation.”

“Triumph’s expansion is a great example of how Connecticut is working to strengthen its strategic sectors like aerospace and defense,” said O'Keefe.

Cantor, West Hartford's top elected official, cited Triumph's longstanding role in the town regarding its community role economically.

“This expansion represents a significant investment in our community and the future of aerospace manufacturing,” said Cantor. “Triumph has been a cornerstone of West Hartford’s economy for decades, and we are proud to see them continue to grow and innovate here.”

Slap and Farrar also weighed in.

“This is an exciting day for West Hartford and for all of Connecticut. Triumph’s decision to expand here speaks to the strength of our workforce and quality of life,” Slap said.

Said Farrar: “The teamwork between us as state officials, local leaders, and Triumph ensured that these jobs and this innovation stay right here in Connecticut. We’re proud to see the direct impact this investment will have on our community now and for the future.”

TRIUMPH, headquartered in Radnor, Pa., develops, manufactures, repairs, and overhauls a broad portfolio of aviation and defense components, accessories, subassemblies, systems, and aircraft thermal management systems.