Commerce Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-1021
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY WORKING
Title: GROUP.
Vote Date: 3/16/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/9/2021
File No.: 252
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Commerce Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
SB 1021 directs the chairpersons of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly,
having cognizance over commerce, to appoint and organize a manufacturing technology
working group. This group is tasked with working collaboratively to examine Industry 4.0 in
the state and produce a comprehensive report, along with a statewide strategic plan for
utilizing these technologies within Connecticuts manufacturing community.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None Expressed
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
1. Hisham Alnajjar, Dean, College of Engineering, Technology and Architecture at
the University of Hartford: Submitted written testimony in support of this bill. Mr.
Alnajjar conveyed his opinion that the coordinated and prioritized efforts outlined in this
bill, in the form of a formal working group, would benefit Connecticuts workforce. He
notes that synergy between the regions manufacturing industries is both powerful and
necessary.
2. Eric Brown, Vice President, The Connecticut Business and Industry Association:
Provided both written and public hearing testimony in support of this bill. Mr. Brown
noted he also works closely with the Connecticut Manufacturers Coalition. He stressed
 that manufacturers and the state themselves currently do not have a system to
address meeting the challenge of Industry 4.0. For Mr. Brown, that is why forming a
working group, proposed by this bill, of key stakeholders is a vital component of
coming up with a statewide plan regarding Industry 4.0.
3. Kathy Saint, President & CEO, Schwerdtle Inc: Provided public hearing testimony in
support of this bill. Ms. Saint notes this bill is the next logical step in breaking up
communication barriers between different organizations, each with valuable insight.
She testified that it is challenging to stay up on the latest advances in technology as a
small manufacturer. She expects that the information collected and eventually
disseminated by this working group will be valuable, particularly for small
manufacturers.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None Expressed
Reported by: Peter B. Andrews Date: 3-17-21
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