Governor Praises Okay Industries As A 'Connecticut Success Story'

Okay Industries is developing a 63,000 square foot medical engineering and manufacturing facility to consolidate and grow its medical components business in Berlin.

A gala, which drew Governor Dannel P. Malloy and many town and area dignitaries, was held at the new Berlin facility in conjunction with Okay's 100th anniversary celebration.

"I want to congratulate you and tell you that Okay Industries is a Connecticut Success Story," Malloy told a gathering of employees filling the cavernous soon- to-be-finished factory.

The new facility will complement Okay’s 100,000-square-foot operation in New Britain and focus on developing industry- changing innovations to speed the development and manufacture of components used in life-saving medical products

“The medical market’s reliance on innovation and its unique need for repeatable quality make it a great match for the engineers, and manufacturing professionals at Okay,” said company President Jason Howey. “By adding a stand-alone medical facility to our capabilities, we’ll have the focus and re- sources to develop the applications that help our medical customers redefine how they treat patients.”

Okay is already a leading medical manufacturing company with unsurpassed expertise stamping and machining a wide range of metals, including stainless steels, implantable titanium and nitinol. The company’s Accu-Blade® surgical blades and scissors are known for their precise, uniform edge and reduced cutting forces.

Berlin Mayor Adam Salina, State Rep. Joe Aresimowicz, State Senator Terry Gerratana and Berlin Economic Development Director Jim Mahoney were all in attendance.

"You're not always going to land every business you try to lure to come to Berlin but having Okay Industries come to Berlin is a major feather for us," Salina said. "Jim Mahoney did a great job of staying in touch with Jason Howey and Donna Lasher and we're happy to have them."

Salina said having businesses like Okay may not resonate with residents as major acquisitions, they will understand how important it is when they get their tax bill.

"People know all about Kohl's because it is retail and very visible," Salina said. "You always want a good mix of retail, commercial and industrial to keep your tax base solid. This year started with Hartford Direct and Fosdick taking over a 250,000 square foot building. Now you have Okay and Fletcher-Terry in East Berlin. We have also secured $850,000 for Brownfield clean up for the proposed police station and $500,000 STEAP grant for the completion of Veteran's Park. It's a very exciting time and we hope that all of this new development will be seen in the next budget by all the residents of Berlin."