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Victor Cassella: business–government cooperation is key to US manufacturing future
Following yesterday's ribbon cutting ceremony, The New Haven Register (http://bit.ly/2dPI9ww) credited American Polyfilm, Inc. of Branford, Conn., for exemplifying a bright future for Made-in-America.
Company president and founder Victor Cassella told well-wishers that the keys to fostering America's manufacturing base are smaller companies willing to work with government, that produce high-value products in environmentally sensitive facilities. Cassella credited the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Town of Branford and The Guilford Savings Bank for their support in making the new 27,500 square foot manufacturing facility a reality.
In addition to the senior Cassella, sons Matthew Cassella (l) and Paul Cassella(r) own and manage the company together with Matthew's wife Larysa Cassella. They flank Connecticut State Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. and Dick Pirozzolo
American Polyfilm is also participating in educational programs to introduce young people to opportunities in manufacturing.
American Polyfilm, Inc. manufactures custom polyurethane films for a variety of applications including conveyor belts, waterproof clothing, medical equipment and inflatable watercraft.
American Polyfilm, Inc., manufacturer of custom specialty films found in a wide range of consumer and industrial products, has expanded it operation in Branford with a new, 28,000 square-foot, state-of-the art facility.
The company is family owned and managed by two generations of lifelong Branford residents—Victor Cassella, president and founder, with his sons and daughter-in-law Matthew and
Larysa Cassella, and Paul Cassella and was established in 1998 in nearby leased facilities before relocating to its new quarters at 15 Baldwin Drive.
“To meet growing demand for our specialty films, we needed to increase our manufacturing capacity and, from the outset, made a commitment to locate in the town that has been home to our families since childhood. It was the right decision. The Town of Branford has been welcoming and extremely helpful throughout all phases of construction — from siting, to design review, to construction oversight, to permitting, and certificate of occupancy,” said Victor Cassella.
To further underscore its commitment to the local community, American Polyfilm retained two Branford-based firms for design and construction; Terry Architecture, which sited and designed the pre-engineered structure and Pat Munger Construction Company, general contractor.
Cassella added, “We have received ongoing support from the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Community Investment Corporation as well as The Guilford Savings Bank.
The cooperation we experienced between our business and government agencies, clearly demonstrates the role government can play by encouraging forward-looking, energy-efficient, clean industries that support well paying jobs to locate and expand in the U.S.”
“Energy efficiency is a hallmark of the new building. Numerous skylights and low-e windows provide natural lighting, while LED lamps and an EnergyStar HVAC system further minimize energy requirements. The siting and sloped roof accommodates a large solar array to further reduce energy consumption,” said David DeMaio of Pat Munger Construction Company.
Also participating in construction were local contractors Controlled Air, Massey Glass, and Finelli Electric.
American Polyfilm, Inc. produces made-to–order, blown polyurethane film in a range of thicknesses and spectrum of colors that are sold throughout the U.S. and internationally. Applications include medical products, performance textiles, protective and fashion garments, food processing equipment such as conveyor belts, and both nautical and aviation equipment. American Polyfilm is an ISO 9001-2008 certified company.
American Polyfilm's senior management is available for media interviews on how to foster Made-in-America by contacting Dick Pirozzolo at 617-959-4613 or dick@pirozzolo.com
