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BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
IN TORRINGTON
Torrington is proud of its rich industrial history, which dates back to the early nineteenth century when the Naugatuck River provided power for the woolen cloth, clocks and brass industries. Later, the opening of the rail line allowed the City to continue a period of innovation and growth. Gail Borden began production of condensed milk here in 1852 while Lyman Coe became a leading producer of brass products. When a machine for making needles was invented here in 1866, Torrington emerged as the center for needle production. Other emerging industries turned out diverse products such as skates, hardware, bicycles, machines and furniture.
One of today's largest employers, the Torrington Company, can trace its City roots to 1866 when it started with just six employees as the Excelsior Needle Company manufacturing sewing machine needles. The successful business rapidly grew and by the turn of the century the firm, now known as the Torrington Company, was producing many types of needles for fabric sewing, shoemaking and knitting machines. During the 1930's the company began manufacturing bearings for the automotive and other industries. By their 100th anniversary, the firm's success began to attract outside interest in a possible merger or acquisition. The match was made when Ingersoll-Rand Company purchased the firm in 1969 as a wholly owned subsidiary. Since then, the Torrington Company has continued to expand its technology and today is
a worldwide leader in the production of precision bearings, motion control components and automotive steering assemblies.
Today the City is the commercial and industrial center of Northwest Connecticut and draws consumers and employees from many surrounding communities. There are currently more than 100 manufacturers in Torrington, employing over 5,600 people or 33% of our workers. The other significant business sectors are the service and trade industries, which employ approximately 5,300 and 3,200, respectively.
Torrington is home to numerous firms on the cutting edge of technology. For example, one of the State's most innovative research and development facilities geared towards clean energy production can be found in Torrington's Technology Park. Fuel Cell Energy, Inc. is a leading developer and manufacturer of clean and efficient electrical power generators using the emerging fuel cell technology and our abundant supply of fossil fuels such as natural gas.
Torrington contains several Business and Industrial Parks central to the Northwest Connecticut labor market. The latest addition, Technology Park, is collaboration between the City and Borghesi Building and Engineering Company. Located near Route 8, directly off Route 183, the Park offers development sites starting at five acres. All lots comply with the Industrial Park zone, are fully approved, and have underground utilities on site.
The Torrington Industrial Park, situated directly off Route 8, exit 46 is home to numerous manufacturing firms such as K-Tech International, Emsar, Inc., Waring Products, Rexam Cosmetic Packaging, Inc., and Nidec, Corp. The City's third park is located on Commercial Boulevard off Route 8, exit 45. Commercial Park houses diverse companies such as Borgeson Universal Company, FCT Electronics, Quest Plastics, SHW, Inc., and Torrington Research Company.
The City of Torrington remains committed to expanding our business community. The mission of the Office of Economic Development is to recruit and retain businesses, create local jobs, and enhance the tax base. The Office acts as a liaison between the business community, City departments, state agencies and other economic development and community organizations.
Our municipality has adopted an attractive tax abatement program in order to assist businesses interested in relocating or expanding in Torrington.
Torrington also participates in the Litchfield Hills Regional Micro-Loan Program. This program provides affordable and accessible financing to income-eligible applicants in the 11-town Litchfield Hills region. The purpose of the program is to diversify the economic base, create and retain jobs, and to encourage and leverage private investment. Eligible uses for the loan funds include acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, purchase/installation of machinery and equipment, or working capital.
The Chamber of Commerce of Northwest Connecticut serves Torrington and the surrounding Northwest communities including Litchfield, Winsted, New Hartford, Barkhamsted, Harwinton, Goshen and Canaan. The Chamber combines efforts with other groups for continuous progress in the areas of governmental affairs, manpower, education, transportation, tourism, and regional and community development, to make the area a better place in which to live and work. Many efforts are concentrated on retaining existing businesses and industries, encouraging expansion, and attracting new enterprises to locate here.
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