(photos) In Old Saybrook, Sen. Art Linares Tours Growing Manufacturer Stencil Ease

From left to right: State Sen. Art Linares, Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna, and Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Judy Sullivan listen to Stencil Ease President and CEO Brian Greenho during their April 11 tour of the Old Saybrook-based manufacturer. With help from the state, Stencil Ease has added new manufacturing equipment allowing them to expand into new markets providing stencils to major airports, highway departments and government agencies.

Stencil Ease President and CEO Brian Greenho (left) discusses his company’s products with State Sen. Art Linares (right). Linares toured the Old Saybrook-based manufacturer on April 11. With help from the state, Stencil Ease has added new manufacturing equipment allowing them to expand into new markets providing stencils to major airports, highway departments and government agencies.

Sen. Art Linares on April 11 toured Old Saybrook-based manufacturer Stencil Ease (www.stencilease.com).

The company, which is the largest specialty stencil manufacturing company in the United States, has been able to retain jobs with assistance from the State Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Small Business Express program. With help from the DECD, Stencil Ease has added new manufacturing equipment allowing them to expand into new markets providing stencils to major airports, highway departments and government agencies. Located at 7 Center Road West, Stencil Ease’s state-of-the-art laser cutting facility is capable of producing anything from one-off custom stencils to mass production runs in excess of 100,000 units.

Old Saybrook First Selectman Carl Fortuna joined Linares on the tour, which was led by Stencil Ease President and CEO Brian Greenho.

“Having Senator Linares tour our facility and meet our employees gives us further resolve that we are doing the right thing by continuing to create and keep jobs in our great state,” Greenho said. “When we can take someone off unemployment, train them and put them to work, everyone in Connecticut benefits.”

“My goal is to help great companies like Stencil Ease retain and grow jobs,” Linares said. “I view area manufacturers and small businesses as my customers. I want to hear their concerns and pass policies which help them thrive.”

Linares has been visiting manufacturers in the area and speaking with their employees. At the State Capitol, he is sponsoring several proposals aimed at improving Connecticut’s business environment and boosting the manufacturing industry. Linares represents the 33rd Senate District, which encompasses Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland, and Westbrook.