Ryan said he saw increases in retail and fast food
BYK’s expansion is expected to generate 40 new high-technology manufacturing jobs as part of an agreement with the state for the 56,000-square-foot expansion. The company makes paint additives and has production and service centers in India, Germany and China.
“Manufacturing is essential to the economic development of the town,” said Tim Ryan, the town’s economic development specialist. “The manufacturing industry growth is quite awesome.”
Allinex, a resin manufacturer also on South Cherry Street, will soon undergo its own expansion. The $4 million project will allow the firm to grow its product line, add six jobs and have the potential for more.
Holo-Krome Manufacturing at 61 Barnes Industrial Park North is also hiring to keep up with increased sales. The fastener manufacturer has hired 13 people in the last several months and hopes to hire 20 more.
Ryan said he saw increases in retail and fast food, commercial, and industrial markets in the town over the last year. Manufacturing expansions may not have the same visibility as the Chick-fil-A grand opening on Route 5 last month, but according to Ryan it proves Wallingford is attractive to business owners and balances the town’s commercial portfolio.
The activity in Wallingford illustrates a statewide business climate that is slowly providing cause for optimism, according to a recent survey by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association and Farmington Bank.