Good news, an influx of funds to help Bevin Bell factory get back to work

The Bevin Bells factory was destroyed by fire that investigators believe was ignited by lightening on May 26, 2012. Bevin Brothers will use its grant to buy machinery and equipment so that its 12 full-time and three part-time employees can begin producing bells as soon as possible in a temporary facility located at 11 Watrous Street, in East Hampton, CT. Photo copyright 2012 by Jean Maheau for HTNP.com

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the state’s Small Business Express (EXP) program will support Bevin Brothers Manufacturing Co.  and P.S.I. Plus Inc. – two businesses in East Hampton, CT whose historic building was destroyed by a fire on May 26.

“Connecticut has a proud history as the home of the Bevin Bell factory, and we are putting our economic development tools to work to assist Bevin Brothers and P.S.I. Plus in their effort to rebuild here in Connecticut,” Gov. Malloy states in a press release issued today (June 20).

“We are fortunate that these two companies will persevere despite this terrible fire; there is a lot of work ahead, but the state is stepping up so their employees can get back on the job as soon as possible,” Malloy said.

The factory’s owner, Matt Bevin, recently spoke at a Town Council meeting and vowed to do all he could to rebuild the company. Town officials and state legislators have been working with Bevin to locate and expedite funding to help him accomplish this goal.

The factory is such an integral part of East Hampton’s community, it gave the town its nickname, Belltown. The town’s official seal features a large bell.

Bevin Bros. Manufacturing is the last U.S. manufacturer that makes only bells. The family-owned company has been making bells in East Hampton for 180 years since its founding in 1832 – bells used by a variety of companies, from the Salvation Army to a steam train-tourist site.

P.S.I. Plus, a manufacturer of high pressure specialty gas cylinders since 1991, was a tenant in the factory complex that is charred rubble.

The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), which administers EXP, will provide $100,000 in matching grants to each company.

Bevin Brothers will use its grant to buy machinery and equipment so that its 12 full-time and three part-time employees can begin producing bells as soon as possible in a temporary facility located at 11 Watrous Street, in East Hampton.

P.S.I. Plus plans to buy new equipment and fund renovations at the same facility.  P.S.I. has seven full-time and two part-time employees.

EXP is providing $100 million to help the state’s small businesses hire more employees and fund capital investments.

The program offers loans and matching grants to Connecticut companies with fewer than 50 employees at the time of application.

For more information on EXP or to apply for the program, contact Michelle Lugo at DECD at 860-270-8052 or Michelle.Lugo@ct.gov

Posted June 20, 2012

Related links –

To learn more about how to help with the rebuilding efforts and keep up on developments http://keepthebellsinbelltown.com

A history of Bevin Bells http://articles.courant.com/2010-12-03/community/hc-sleigh-bells-1204-20101203_1_sleigh-bells-hand-bells-cheryl-pedersen

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