TIGHITCO expands Navy composite manufacturing in Connecticut

TIGHITCO is expanding advanced composite manufacturing at its Berlin, Connecticut facility with help from a $500,000 state grant and federal support. The move is meant to strengthen U.S. Navy programs, improve domestic supply-chain capacity and support defense manufacturing jobs.

Why it matters: - TIGHITCO’s expansion is aimed at improving the readiness, affordability and resilience of the U.S. defense industrial base. - The project adds advanced composite capacity for current and future U.S. Navy programs. - The investment also supports domestic manufacturing and high-skilled aerospace jobs in Connecticut.

What happened: - TIGHITCO announced an expansion of its advanced composite manufacturing capabilities on July 22, 2026. - The work will be implemented at TIGHITCO’s Berlin, Connecticut facility. - The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development awarded TIGHITCO a $500,000 grant. - The grant supports TIGHITCO’s $1.8 million capital investment in the Berlin facility. - TIGHITCO is also participating in a federally funded advanced manufacturing initiative focused on next-generation composite manufacturing technologies.

The details: - The expansion is designed to strengthen support for current and future U.S. Navy programs. - TIGHITCO said the SQRTM® process is a key part of the company’s investment in advanced manufacturing. - The company said the process is intended to improve production efficiency, quality and manufacturing capacity for defense customers. - The federal initiative is meant to strengthen the Navy’s supply chain and improve domestic manufacturing capacity. - TIGHITCO said the combined state and federal investments will accelerate deployment of the new capabilities. - The company’s public contact information included more information and info@tighitco.com.

Between the lines: - The announcement frames the grant as a strategic partnership with Connecticut, not just a funding source. - The state support helps TIGHITCO position the Berlin facility as part of a broader push to build out defense manufacturing capacity in the U.S. - The emphasis on supply-chain resilience reflects ongoing concern about relying on limited domestic sources for critical defense components.

What’s next: - TIGHITCO will implement the expansion at the Berlin facility. - The company will continue deploying advanced composite technologies for Navy modernization efforts and other defense aerospace programs. - TIGHITCO expects the investment to deepen its role in supporting military readiness and domestic manufacturing competitiveness.

The bottom line: - TIGHITCO is using state and federal support to scale advanced composite manufacturing for the Navy while expanding Connecticut’s defense manufacturing footprint.