Gov. Malloy Praises Pratt & Whitney for Transforming the Jet Engine Marketplace

Nearly 90 aerospace suppliers from across Connecticut, the United States and international locations listened attentively as Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy spoke on Oct. 3 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. Malloy's remarks kicked off a two-day Pratt & Whitney partner and supplier forum where he welcomed attendees and recognized Pratt & Whitney for its investments in Connecticut and for its work to ramp up production on its military and commercial engine lines.

The governor wanted suppliers to understand Connecticut is committed to business and innovation and he invited those in attendance to take a look at the work the state has done to transform itself to be more business friendly. Malloy told the group Pratt & Whitney is building for the future and that Connecticut is also preparing for future work requirements by investing in schools, small businesses and universities.

"Pratt & Whitney has transformed the jet engine marketplace and is leading the industry with its Geared Turbofan product line and position on the F-35 program," Malloy said. "We have a thriving marketplace for aerospace suppliers with a deep talent pool and leading educational institutions here in our state to support this ramp up. We've invested billions of dollars in our community colleges and the University of Connecticut to enhance science, technology, engineering and mathematics education. These factors contribute to a critical mass that drives efficiency, innovation and investment."

Malloy thanked existing Connecticut suppliers at the conference for betting on the state and asked them to continue developing manufacturing technologies here. "I strongly believe that Connecticut is the ideal location for your company to grow and your work with Pratt & Whitney will position your business for success today and for decades to come," he said.

"You are investing alongside Pratt & Whitney to maintain a global competitive advantage," he added. "For those suppliers not currently with a location here in Connecticut, I ask you to take a look at our investments and what Pratt & Whitney is doing. I'm sure you'll be pleased to see the steps we are taking to be competitive in the global marketplace for talent and technology. Investing here to capitalize on Pratt & Whitney's success is investing in your future."

The Pratt & Whitney partner and supplier forum runs Oct. 3-4 at the Convention Center. During the session, the company shares the latest updates on our military and commercial programs and has dialog regarding the methods, tools, and technology that are required to rise above our future challenges.

Other keynote speakers at the event include Erik Buschmann, senior vice president, Propulsion Systems Procurement, Airbus, and Lt. Gen. Christopher Bogdan, program executive officer, F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office. Additional stories will be published about these remarks soon.