Ensign-Bickford to add 140 jobs in Simsbury

Contributor — Town of Simsbury

The Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is expanding its Simsbury operation. The company is planning to create a center of excellence for electronic design and manufacturing for its aerospace and defense products. Over the next five to 10 years, Ensign-Bickford will invest over $10 million in its Simsbury campus, and anticipates adding 140 new jobs over the next three years.

The Simsbury Board of Selectmen supported this expansion through a 10-year tax abatement schedule and a partial reduction in the permit fees associated with the cost of construction.

The tax abatement applies only to the additional value generated by the new investment in the property, and does not change the amount of taxes that the company currently pays. As a result, the town’s investment will be approximately $1 for every $30 invested by Ensign-Bickford.

“With the creation of 140 high-paying positions and a new state-of-the-art facility, this project is a fantastic fit for the Town of Simsbury,” said First Selectman Eric Wellman. “Ensign-Bickford’s expansion will greatly benefit our local economy, creating ripple effects for the town, region and state.”

Selectwoman Cheryl Cook added, “The Board of Selectmen is pleased to support this project, which will not only generate 140 new jobs, but will also protect the 265 positions that are currently here in Simsbury. We are thrilled that one of our largest and oldest employers has chosen Simsbury for this project.”

Ensign-Bickford is a global leader in the design, manufacturing and testing of explosive and non-explosive products and services. Founded in Simsbury in 1836, Ensign-Bickford now has additional locations in Kentucky and California.

“We were competing with two other states for this project,” said Sarah Nielsen, executive director of the Simsbury Main Street Partnership. “Ensign-Bickford’s commitment to both the Town of Simsbury and the State of Connecticut demonstrates that our community is a great home for high-tech manufacturing.”

Ensign-Bickford President Chad Thompson said, “Ensign-Bickford has been the cornerstone of Simsbury for the last 183 years. This investment helps to cement the company’s future in Simsbury for many years to come.”