Ask one of Zachry Nuclear Engineering’s employees if they are happy to be in Stonington and the response will most often go something like this: ‘it’s such a beautiful location,’ ‘I love working here,’ or ‘we’re pretty happy here.’
On Tuesday afternoon Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), toured the San Antonio, Texas, based-company’s Stonington location in part to find out just what it is that makes those employees so happy.
“I’ve wanted to visit,” Blumenthal said. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about the company and wanted to see what the key to their success is.”
Blumenthal toured the location with Zachry Nuclear Engineering Director of Business Services Kenneth Everett, First Selectman Edward Haberek Jr., and Stonington Economic Development Chair Blunt White.
“Amazing, awesome,” Blumenthal said of the facility.
During the tour of the location, Blumenthal spoke with a number of Zachry Nuclear Engineering’s 150 employees asking them what they thought of the new place.
“It’s beautiful, I can’t say that enough,” said employee Heather Rowley.
Everett credited Haberek with helping Zachry Nuclear Engineering to stay in Connecticut after they outgrew their former location, but Haberek was quick to point out how much of an asset he thinks the company is to the town.
“The great thing is they are so community oriented,” Haberek said adding that with the offices in Quiambaug Cove Professional Center down the street, the area has become a knowledge technology hub.
While touring the company Blumenthal also wanted to learn what the company thinks will help to attract other businesses to the company.
Speaking with Everett, Haberek and White Blumenthal stressed the importance of lowering the cost of doing business in the state. Everett said he appreciated the way the Town of Stonington had worked with them, and Haberek spoke of creating a culture in Stonington where different vendors thrive by working and complementing each other.
“It’s exactly the kind of company we like to have in Connecticut,” Blumenthal said. “We’re grateful they’re here and grateful they’re thinking about expanding.
