6 | Consolidated Industries Inc. EVOLVING EFFICIENCY When it was established in 1948, Consolidated was initially tasked with serving interests in agriculture, particularly by providing components for tractors, which stands to reason since its home community, Cheshire, has enjoyed historic distinction as the leading capitol of bedding plants in the state of Connecticut. A small family-owned enterprise, Consolidated prospered by serving larger companies that were expanding their own respective product lines and service offerings. The growth of Pratt &Whitney, for example, contributed to the growth of Consolidated. Another significant development occurred when the ship building company of Newport News determined to cease its in-house forging operations and outsourced the job to Consolidated. In fulfilling demand for these major accounts, Consolidated routinely invested in new equipment and further expanded its capabilities, all along growing its reputation as an integral partner in the supply chain of leading manufacturers. The company endured through eras of varied corporate ownership before a leveraged buy-out saw it acquired by a team of financiers collaborating as the Consolidated Industries Acquisition Group. This occurred in 1999 and the new CEO, John Wilbur, instinctively realized that for Consolidated to move beyond the new millennium, the company would have to be more aggressive in securing new clients. Over the next decade of his leadership, annual sales went from $8 million to more than $30 million. Business planning, performance monitoring & mea`suring, and the demanding drive to achieve objectives would prove significant to advancing Consolidated Industries over the years that followed. Staff development was equally important
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