Longtime Simsbury Aerospace Business to Expand

SIMSBURY, CT — The Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company, founded in Simsbury more than 180 years ago, announced Tuesday it will be expanding its local operation over the next five to 10 years, investing over $10 million, and anticipates adding 140 new jobs over the next three years.

A statement posted on the town of Simsbury's web site reads, "The Board of Selectmen supported this expansion through a ten-year tax abatement schedule and a partial reduction in the permit fees associated with the cost of construction. The tax abatement applies only to the additional value generated by the new investment in the property, and does not change the amount of taxes that the company currently pays. As a result, the town’s investment will be approximately $1 for every $30 invested by Ensign-Bickford."

Ensign-Bickford is a global leader of precision energetics systems and innovative explosive and non-explosive solutions, according to its web site.

Ensign-Bickford president Chad Thompson said, “Ensign-Bickford has been the cornerstone of Simsbury for the last 183 years. This investment helps to cement the company’s future in Simsbury for many years to come.”

“With the creation of 140 high-paying positions and a new state of the art facility, this project is a fantastic fit for the town of Simsbury,” First Selectman Eric Wellman said. “Ensign-Bickford’s expansion will greatly benefit our local economy, creating ripple effects for the town, region, and state.”