OXFORD, CT - Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) visited the Waterbury-Oxford Airport Development Zone this morning to highlight efforts to attract manufacturing and high-tech companies to the region. The Connecticut Airport Authority recently approved the first business to operate in the Airport Development Zone, Autonomy Technology Inc., which produces cable assemblies and portable power products, and conducts manufacturing research and development. Himes was joined by Connecticut Airport Authority Executive Director Kevin Dillon, Waterbury-Oxford Airport Manager David Blackburn, and Keystone FBO Services President David Blackburn.
"The Airport Development Zone is a sound investment that encourages business to grow and create jobs in the region, and it's already starting to pay off,” Himes said. “I applaud ATI for coming to Oxford and investing in Southwest Connecticut. I look forward to continuing to work with the Connecticut Airport Authority and Waterbury-Oxford Airport to attract new companies and high-tech jobs to the region.”
“We are pleased to see that the Waterbury-Oxford Airport Development Zone is already helping attract business and create jobs in the area,” said Kevin A. Dillon, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. “The CAA continues engaging interested companies to take full advantage of Waterbury-Oxford Airport’s high level of general aviation activity and spur further development.”
Waterbury-Oxford Airport is located in the town of Oxford and has Connecticut’s highest concentration of general aviation activity. The airport contributes over $230 million in economic activity each year, and supports over 2000 jobs. Last August, the Connecticut Airport Authority approved the creation of the Development Zone, which offers two tax-based incentives to businesses that utilize existing space or build new facilities in the airport area.
Autonomy Technology Inc. manufactures and distributes portable power products, cable assemblies, and medium voltage switchgear. They have locations in Oregon, Alaska, and Nevada, and expanded into the Northeast with their move to the Airport Development Zone. They lease 10,000 square feet in an existing building, most of which is used for manufacturing, and currently have nine full-time employees on-site. Autonomy Technology Inc. plans to continue to expand operations in Oxford and add 10 additional full-time employees over the next two years.