Cheshire Business Named "Manufacturer of the Year"

A Cheshire business that has weathered more than a half a century of economic ups and downs recently was names Business of the Year by the Waterbury Chamber of Commerce.

Marion Manufacturing at 1675 Reinhard Rd received the 16th annual Harold Webster Smith Award at a breakfast attended by Gov. Dannel Malloy. 

The third-generation family-owned business specializes in metal stamping and wire forms. Founded in 1946, it is leader in progressive stamping and precision metal components, from specialized low volume custom components to high volume commodity parts.

“All of us at Marion Manufacturing are honored to receive this award,” said Mary Cramer, owner and president of Marion Manufacturing. “For nearly three-quarters of a century, we have been honored to serve businesses large and small with innovative metal parts that help our customers build high quality products.”

The award was established in 1998 to recognize small businesses that have shown achievement and excellence in their operations and a dedication to nurturing small business development in the Waterbury region.

“Small businesses are the backbone of a vibrant, competitive economy,” said Lynn Ward, President and CEO,Waterbury Chamber of Commerce. “The success of companies like Marion Manufacturing not only are contributing to a strong labor market in the Waterbury region, but also showcases our Connecticut ingenuity here at home and across the world.”

Mary Cramer is the wife of the late Fred E. Cramer, whose grandfather Fred W. Cramer started the business in the family’s basement in 1946. The company’s first project was to make clock hands for IBM, and now serves customers in the U.S. and abroad in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, commercial,and technology.

Mary Cramer has helped continue the company’s growth and in 2008 Marion Manufacturing, a third-generation family-owned business, earned official status as a Women Owned Business. The company has 23 employees.