| State Rep. Peggy Sayers (D-Windsor, Windsor Locks) announced Friday that a total of $9,509,595 in funding for various projects in Windsor Locks is expected to be approved Jan. 29 when the State Bond Commission meets. The New England Air Museum is slated to receive $985,000 for the design and construction of a new education/conference center and a storage hangar. The education and conference center will provide additional exhibit space which will include an 80-120 seat theater. “This is great news for the museum as well as Windsor Locks,” Sayers said. “While the museum already provides a great educational experience around our aeronautical heritage, this will allow them to expand programming and double their classroom size. The museum’s mission is to study, preserve and celebrate the aeronautical heritage of our region with particular emphasis on Connecticut’s ongoing roll in the evolution of aerospace technology. I thank Gov. Dannel P. Malloy for helping the museum fulfill its mission.” The commission is also expected to approve $524,595 for the Connecticut Fire Academy to make repairs and improvements to its fire building. In addition, the commission will vote on a state Department of Economic and Community Development request for an $8 million loan to SSB Manufacturing Company to assist with machinery, equipment and leasehold improvements for a new northeast manufacturing facility in Windsor Locks. The company will create 209 jobs. The loan will be provided at an interest rate of 2 percent for 10 years with principal deferred for three years. The company will be eligible for loan forgiveness of $5 million, if it creates the 209 jobs within one year and retains them for two years. “We need to help business in smart ways to expand and grow jobs,” Sayers said. “Supporting business will benefit all of Connecticut.” As the owner and manager of National Bedding Co., the largest licensee and majority shareholder of Serta, and Simmons Bedding Co., SSB is undertaking a national effort to retool and optimize its combined manufacturing footprint, officials said. The project includes the lease of manufacturing space at 140 Old County Circle in Windsor Locks. “Serta Simmons Bedding is grateful for the state’s assistance with our relocation to Windsor Locks,” said Mark Baron, SSB’s executive vice president of operations. “The area offers a talented workforce and tremendous geographical advantages for some of our most valued customers.” |
Bradley Regional Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1335
East Granby, Connecticut 06026
860-653-3833