DeLauro Praises Local Green Energy Glass Producer

New Haven, CT— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) visited the Naugatuck manufacturing location for Flabeg Solar US Corporation today, where she toured the site, met with employees, and discussed the innovative and green energy technologies being developed and produced. She was joined by Naugatuck Mayor Bob Mezzo.

Flabeg Solar US Corporation manufactures high-quality optical components used internationally, and specializes in parts for solar thermal panels. The production site was formerly owned by the Naugatuck Glass Company, which was famous for their high-quality cosmetic mirrors. Flabeg acquired the company in 2008 and plans to expand their clean energy research and development at this location.

Congresswoman DeLauro said, "Innovative businesses such as this, all across our state and nation, are the real engine of our prosperity. Even in the midst of this economic downturn – especially in the midst of this economic downturn – it is vital that we continue to make strong investments in the manufacturing workers that will lead us to recovery.

"If we want to keep our country prosperous and competitive over the next century, we need to return to an outlook in America that prizes and supports manufacturing—put plainly, we need to move away from being a workforce that simply buys things and go back to being a workforce that builds things. Flabeg does this, continuing Connecticut's long and proud manufacturing traditions while embracing the clean energy technologies of the future. Flabeg is leading the way in keeping our state a prime center of manufacturing in the years to come, and I look forward to working with them and with the University of Connecticut through their partnership in future endeavors."