CEI was co-founded in New Britain, CT in 1980 by Ronald Hansen Sr. and Leonard Ceravone, Jr. In the beginning the company was just a handful of people stamping parts in a shop not much larger than a two-bay garage. By the end of the first decade, however, an expanding customer base, growing staff, and larger more sophisticated equipment necessitated a move to a larger facility.
CEI has always felt a responsibility to support the community in which it resides. From the start, the company and its people have generously contributed time and resources, sponsoring Little League teams, supporting local events, and hiring apprentices from local technical high schools.
Initially, CEI was known as a stamping and tool building shop for aerospace and electronic customers. By the mid-1990s, the company had moved into the healthcare arena, supplying a new, global customer base with precision metal components for medical and dental surgical applications. It also secured business in the automotive, commercial hardware, and industrial sectors. In 1995, spurred by continued growth, CEI initiated an expansion and modernization program that increased the size of its Wallingford, CT production facility to 34,000 square feet.
Today, under the guidance of second generation owner, Ronald Hansen Jr., and president, Rick Griffin, CEI continues to expand its capabilities—both technologically and organizationally. The company now has 90 employees, runs 24 hours a day, occupies over 52,000 square feet, and solves the most complex manufacturing challenges for national and international customers in the precision-driven Aerospace & Defense, Firearms, Energy, and Medical industries.