Industrial Story of Naugatuck

Excerpt from Naugatuck Daily News – Monday, September 15, 1947
Industrial Exhibit Supplement

The Industrial Story of Naugatuck

Naugatuck’s transformation from a quiet mill town to a thriving industrial borough is the result of generations of innovation, labor, and entrepreneurial spirit. The town’s industrial roots date back to the 1840s, with early mills producing buttons, pins, and cutlery.

By the early 20th century, Naugatuck was home to nationally recognized companies in the rubber, chemical, metal, printing, textile, and confectionery industries. Key developments that shaped Naugatuck’s industrial identity include:

  • The founding of the United States Rubber Company and its vast expansion into footwear and chemicals

  • The rise of Peter Paul, Inc., making Naugatuck synonymous with chocolate and coconut confections

  • The evolution of metalworking firms like Risdon, Lewis Engineering, and Russell Mfg., creating everything from lipstick tubes to aircraft parts

  • The contribution of Megin and Elkamar, modern firms meeting wartime and postwar demands

Naugatuck’s strategic location, connected by rail and highway, further cemented its importance as a manufacturing hub in Connecticut.

A Look Into the Future

As America moves into a new era of peace and prosperity, Naugatuck industries are preparing for the next chapter. Investments are being made in:

  • Automation and machinery upgrades

  • Expanded product lines for domestic and export markets

  • Continued worker training and apprenticeship programs

Civic leaders believe that with its skilled workforce and strong industrial base, Naugatuck is poised for even greater achievements in the second half of the 20th century.

Closing Message

As you walk through the YMCA gymnasium this week, you are not just seeing machinery or merchandise – you are witnessing the ingenuity, resilience, and pride of your neighbors.

The Industrial Exhibit is more than a showcase – it is a tribute to Naugatuck itself.

Naugatuck Products Go Around the World

Few communities the size of Naugatuck can claim such a wide international reach. Products made here are used not only across the United States, but throughout Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia.

Among the most recognized exports:

  • Chemical compounds used in tire and textile production

  • Copper floats and plumbing parts for residential and industrial use

  • Footwear, from rubber boots to athletic shoes, shipped to military and civilian buyers abroad

  • Metal components for aircraft and electronics

  • Confectionery products, especially Peter Paul’s Mounds bars, now a household name across North America

Officials from the Naugatuck Chamber of Commerce and participating industries stress that these exports help fuel both the local economy and the national recovery after World War II.

International Reputation Built on Quality

Buyers in global markets associate Naugatuck-made goods with:

  • Reliability

  • Precision

  • Clean manufacturing standards

  • American craftsmanship

Many of the exhibits on display this week at the YMCA reflect products currently in circulation overseas. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and learn more about how Naugatuck connects to the world.

Local Industries Support Veterans and Families

In addition to economic contributions, many Naugatuck industries play a vital role in supporting returning veterans and their families:

  • Job training and apprenticeships

  • Family wage employment

  • Charitable support for local veteran organizations

Several of the companies featured in the Industrial Exhibit proudly note how many veterans are now part of their skilled labor force.

Education and Industry Work Hand in Hand in Naugatuck

Naugatuck’s success as a manufacturing town is due not only to its industries, but also to its commitment to education and vocational training. The public schools, trade programs, and local organizations work closely with factories and firms to ensure a skilled, adaptable workforce.

Key partnerships include:

  • Naugatuck High School’s Industrial Arts Department – training students in mechanical drawing, woodworking, metalwork, and basic engineering.

  • Post-war veteran education programs – giving returning servicemen opportunities to retrain for peacetime work.

  • Apprenticeship and job placement initiatives – coordinated between local companies and the Naugatuck Board of Education.

Many of the young men and women who have joined the local labor force in recent years credit these programs with helping them secure stable, meaningful employment.