The Barnes Group is celebrating its 160th birthday this year, and city leaders have recorded messages for the event that will be featured in a CPTV documentary.
Cindy Bombard, president and CEO of the Central CT Chambers of Commerce, said influential members of the community who had dealt with the Barnes Group over the years were invited to come to the chamber office and record a 30-second message offering their congratulations to the long-standing local company. Those who recorded congratulations included Bombard, Bristol Rotary Club President Laura Watson, Tunxis Community College director of business and industry services Victor Mitchell, Main Street Community Foundation President and CEO Susan Sadecki, City Councilor Dave Preleski, Bristol Hospital President and CEO Kurt Barwis and state Sen. Henri Martin.
“When I think of the Barnes Group I think about the wonderful group of individuals that has given so much to our community,” said Bombard. “They have been a wonderful economic driver and we are very fortunate to have them here in Bristol, Connecticut.”
Watson said The Barnes Group has been one of the Bristol Rotary Club’s central supporters with events such as the annual golf tournament fundraiser.
“I don’t know where Bristol would be without the support of The Barnes Group,” she said.
“The Barnes Group offers stability and opportunity for all who reside here,” said Mitchell.
Sadecki said The Barnes Group has become synonymous with loyalty, longevity and community partnership.
“The Barnes family has committed themselves to so many activities and civic engagements in this city,” she said.
Preleski said The Barnes Group had achieved what many other companies aspire to be.
“They are awesome corporate citizens who have done so much to help the city of Bristol,” he said. “They have offered great jobs and focused on hiring local and they have made a lasting mark on the entire city.”
Barwis noted that Bristol Hospital was founded by members of the Barnes family, who have served as its past presidents.
“They have improved healthcare access throughout the community,” he said.
Martin said The Barnes Group’s stability and longevity has made them a cornerstone of the community.
These clips will be compiled by CPTV into a film about the Barnes Group. The film will then be shown at The Barnes Group’s 160th Anniversary Celebration June 16 at The Hartford Marriott at 6 p.m.
“Our hope is that this celebration will shine a light on the state’s rich manufacturing heritage and inspire a new generation of innovators to carry it forward,” said Tom Barnes, chairman of the board for The Barnes Group.
The Barnes Group was initially founded by Wallace Barnes in 1857, who started a small business in Bristol to make springs for clocks and hoop skirts in partnership with E.L. Dunbar. Today, according to BarnesGroupInc.com, The Barnes Group “is a global provider of highly engineered products, differentiated industrial technologies, and innovative solutions, serving a wide range of end markets and customers. Its specialized products and services are used in far-reaching applications including aerospace, transportation, manufacturing, health care and packaging.”
A timeline of acquisitions, ownership and major achievements can be found on The Barnes Group’s website.