by Karla Ciaglo
NEW BRITAIN, CT — Stanley Black & Decker is closing its New Britain manufacturing plant, eliminating approximately 300 jobs in the city where the company has been based since 1843, citing declining demand for one of its legacy products as part of a broader, multibillion-dollar global restructuring.
The facility predominantly manufactures single-sided tape measures, a product company officials say is facing long-term structural decline.
State Rep. Dave DeFronzo, D-New Britain, said the decision was driven by “economic uncertainties” in the country, reflecting both national market shifts and the company’s broader cost-cutting efforts.
Debora Raymond, vice president of external communications for Stanley Black & Decker, said the move reflects changing consumer behavior and product demand.
“As a result of a structural decline in demand for single-sided tape measures, we have decided to close our facility in New Britain that predominantly makes these products,” Raymond said. “These products are quickly becoming obsolete in the markets we serve.”
Raymond said the company would provide support to affected workers.
“We are focused on supporting impacted employees through this transition, including providing options for employment at other facilities, severance, and job placement support services for both salaried and hourly employees,” she said.
In a statement, Gov. Ned Lamont said his administration was working with state and local elected officials to support the affected workers and to reimagine the factory site to strengthen New Britain’s economic future.
“Although Stanley has made the decision to discontinue operations for manufacturing outdated products, a change in workforce opportunities is difficult for employees, their families and any community,” he said. “However, I am hopeful that these skilled workers will be repurposed with the help of Stanley Black & Decker, a company that will still proudly be headquartered here in Connecticut.”
The shutdown comes amid a multi-year restructuring effort launched in 2022 after pandemic-driven demand for tools and home improvement products sharply reversed. During COVID-19, consumer spending on do-it-yourself projects surged, prompting the company to expand production and inventory. As interest rates rose and demand cooled, Stanley Black & Decker reported excess inventory, margin pressure and increased debt.
In response, the company initiated a Global Cost Reduction Program targeting more than $2 billion in savings. Corporate earnings reports show the effort has generated approximately $2.1 billion in pre-tax run-rate savings since its launch. By the end of 2024, the company reported roughly $1.5 billion in savings and inventory reductions exceeding $2 billion. Annual filings indicate Stanley recorded approximately $141 million in restructuring charges in 2022 and another $39 million in 2023 tied to workforce reductions and facility consolidation.
The New Britain closure also follows a broader reshaping of the company’s portfolio. In December 2025, Stanley Black & Decker announced a definitive agreement to sell its Consolidated Aerospace Manufacturing business to Howmet Aerospace for $1.8 billion in cash. CAM, which is based in Brea, California, provides aerospace and defense fasteners and engineered components and is expected to generate between $405 million and $415 million in fiscal 2025 revenue. Stanley purchased CAM in 2020 for approximately $1.5 billion.
The company said proceeds from the transaction will be used to reduce debt and move toward a target leverage ratio of 2.5 times net debt to adjusted EBITDA. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approval.
While Stanley Black & Decker remains legally incorporated in Connecticut and its headquarters is expected to remain here, the New Britain tape measure facility was one of the last large-scale consumer tool manufacturing operations directly tied to the Stanley brand in the city long known as “Hardware City”
Former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart, who is running for the Republican nomination to challenge Lamont in November, sharply criticized the closure.
“How many times are we going to see this movie? And how many times are we going to run through the litany of reasons these legacy employers — who have been part of our identity as Nutmeggers — are choosing to leave Connecticut,” Stewart said. “There’s only so long any enterprise can exist with the highest cost of living, the highest cost of energy, the highest cost of doing business, and utter hostility from the state capitol before they have to make the heartbreaking decision to leave or close their doors.”
Stewart said she had worked closely with company leadership during her tenure.
“For 12 years I had a great relationship with the leaders and employees of Stanley — they are the ‘hardware’ in the Hardware City. This is a very sad day for New Britain,” she said.
An emailed request for comment from Gov. Ned Lamont was not immediately returned.
The Stanley Works was founded in New Britain in 1843 and later merged with Maryland-based Black & Decker in 2010.