CTNext awards grant to Addaero Manufacturing

A New Britain company looking to expand its customer base is getting a $25,000 state grant to help it do just that.

Addaero Manufacturing, which makes additives used in the aerospace, marine and defense industries, is getting the money from CTNext, a subsidiary of the state’s quasi-public investment agency, Rocky Hill-based Connecticut Innovations. CTNext was created in 2012 to help develop Connecticut’s entrepreneurial community and aid in the growth of early-stage companies.

Glendowlyn Thames, executive director of CTNext, said Addaero “has met the criteria to receive Growth Grant funds that can be used toward projects that will help further accelerate growth.”

CTNext launched the Growth Grant program a year ago. The program targets business sectors and companies with the highest growth potential.

CTNext defines growthstage companies as those incorporated for no more than 10 years that have raised private capital and seen a 20 percent increase in annual gross revenues over the last three years.

Addaero will use the grant from CTNext to enhance the company’s marketing efforts, expand its brand identity and begin targeting new industries that may not historically have used additive manufacturing. Addaero is a metal additive manufacturing company founded four years ago and uses technology for high-precision applications.

The company works with large and small original equipment manufacturers, helping them produce parts for production applications using 3D printing techniques.

CTNext has more than 1,900 participants in its entrepreneurial network.