Gov. Malloy Signs Export Bill at Middletown Aerospace Firm

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy joined dignitaries Monday at Test Logic in Middletown for the ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 1004, which encourages more state business exports to foreign countries.

The company, located in an industrial area near the Route 91 corridor and the Cromwell town line off Middle Street, is a leading provider of complete test cell system packages for many major foreign and domestic aerospace companies. 

“With more than 37,600 private sector jobs created in the past two years, Connecticut is slowly but surely recovering from the recession—but until everyone who wants a job has a job, we have much more work to do," Malloy said, in the company of many, including U.S. Rep. Rosa Delauro (D-Connecticut), state Rep. Matthew Lesser (D-100th), Mayor Dan Drew and Sens. Dante Bartolomeo (D-13th) and Paul Doyle (D-9th). 

“We’ve had excellent, excellent support from the state and local governments — some superb support,” said Test Logic President Rod Gwillam.  “We feel rather special.”

"We know that our industries are primed for growth and we’ve been aggressive about increasing their visibility in foreign markets," Gwillam said. "This bill will help us continue that work and compete in the global marketplace.”

Malloy sat at a desk draped with the a blue cloth sporting the Department of Economic and Community Development's slogan "Still Revolutionary," signed the bill in a quick succession of DECD pens that were immediately passed along to dignitaries standing beside him as souvenirs of the occasion.

“The city of Middletown and the state of Connecticut are a hub for manufacturing export activity,” said Drew. “This bill will foster international trade which will create jobs for our residents.”

The passage of the act Encouraging Exportation of State Products and Services Through the Small Business Express Program allows Connecticut's DECD to fast track aid to businesses like Test Logic.

“The state of Connecticut is very business-friendly, and that’s not always recognized,” Bartolomeo said. “It was wonderful to be here today on the shop floor of a local manufacturer to help get them to the next level. It’s very rewarding.”

Test Logic tests turbine engines and transmissions, and delivers test products worldwide.

Gwillam started Test Logic in 1997 with just a credit card, DeLauro told those gathered with her trademark exuberance. In all, 66 percent of the company's revenue comes from exports and it sends 15 to 25 percent of its products overseas.

According to the governor's office, Connecticut ranks 10th in the nation in per capita exports. In 2012, Connecticut export values totaled nearly $16 billion.