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Larson Tours Flanagan Industries

August 8, 2016

Glastonbury, CT – Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) toured Glastonbury’s Flanagan Industries, a family-owned business that produces complex cases and machined components. Flanagan Industries is one of countless small manufacturers that play a pivotal role in the production of the F-35. This summer, Larson announced that the Department of Defense was awarding Pratt & Whitney a $1.5 billion contract for 99 engines to power the F-35, allowing Flanagan and other manufacturers to ramp-up their production.

“I am always proud to see firsthand the tremendous work of our small manufacturers that make up the backbone of our aerospace industry,” said Larson. "Employers like Flanagan Industries are already ramping up because of the F-35, and looking for ways to grow their workforce. I applaud Flanagan Industries for taking the initiative to fund the education and training of students at Asnuntuck Community College and hiring those students upon their graduation. These partnerships between industry and academia can help ensure Americans learn the skills necessary for the jobs available now and in the future. Over the years, I've worked with Goodwin College, Manchester Community College, and other schools to strengthen the job pipeline, and I will keep fighting to make sure employers like Flanagan can continue to take advantage of the improving economy to grow their work force."

“These are amazing times to be involved in the aerospace market,” said Kevin Flanagan, Vice President of Flanagan Industries. “In the 30-plus years that I’ve been involved in this business, I have not seen this dramatic ‘Ramp Up’ on both the military and commercial engines. I would like to thank Congressman Larson for all his efforts in helping to fund the F135 Program and his continued dedication the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT).”

In addition to securing additional F-35 engines to be made here in Connecticut, Larson won a victory for manufacturers when he worked with Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) to make permanent the R&D Tax Credit. This allows employers like Flanagan Industries and other manufacturers to invest in innovation and expand their workforce. In May, Larson and Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH) introduced their proposal to expand on that victory by raising the R&D Tax Credit from 14% to 20%. Larson also remains committed to creating more opportunities to train workers for the changing job market.

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