Applied Research Partnership Program Connects University of New Haven with Local Manufacturing Leader

The University of New Haven has entered into a master research agreement with Eastern Metal Works, advancing a new industry collaboration program through The Elevation Center at the University of New Haven. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to applied research and workforce development that strengthens regional manufacturing and prepares students for real-world careers.

As part of the partnership, University of New Haven faculty experts will collaborate with Eastern Metal Works leadership and staff on research-driven initiatives. The projects currently underway thanks to this agreement include initiatives focused on AI-assisted ranking and scoring of bid opportunities as well as the development of real-time operational reporting and system integration tools.

“Through the Elevation Center, where we elevate talent, technology and innovation, our goal is to be a trusted partner for companies navigating the complex challenges of a rapidly changing global environment,” said Paul Lavoie, the University of New Haven’s vice president of innovation and applied technology. “This agreement with Eastern Metal Works exemplifies how we connect industry with faculty expertise and student talent to generate practical insights and create meaningful experiential learning opportunities.”

Eastern Metal Works is a Milford, Connecticut-based manufacturing company specializing in precision metal fabrication and custom-engineered solutions for a range of industrial applications.

The partnership is a natural fit given Eastern Metal Works’ emphasis on process improvement, innovation, and workforce development. Collaborating with The Elevation Center will help bridge academic research and real-world manufacturing, creating solutions that deliver immediate value while supporting long-term industry growth.

The agreement brings together University expertise in areas such as systems thinking, process optimization, and innovation strategy with Eastern Metal Works’ deep industry knowledge and hands-on manufacturing experience to develop actionable solutions, working toward improvements in speed, quality, and production efficiency.

Joe Orlando, the chief operating officer at Eastern Metal Works shared their enthusiasm about the partnership saying, “Our collaboration with the University of New Haven allows us to explore how emerging technologies like AI and integrated data systems could strengthen our operations while also giving students the opportunity to apply their skills to real-world manufacturing challenges.”

In addition to supporting Eastern Metal Works, the agreement reinforces the University of New Haven’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with industry partners across Connecticut and the region. Through The Elevation Center, the University serves as a hub where academic expertise, applied research, and workforce development intersect.

“These partnerships allow us to align our academic strengths with the needs of industry in a very intentional way,” Lavoie added. “When companies engage with the University, they gain access to faculty who understand both theory and practice, and students benefit by working on challenges that matter. That combination is what makes our graduates better than ready when they enter the workforce.”

The master research agreement with Eastern Metal Works is part of a growing portfolio of industry collaborations led by The Elevation Center at the University of New Haven. This represents the 4th agreement with industry to work with the University.

Collectively, these partnerships underscore the University of New Haven’s support of companies today while investing in the workforce of tomorrow.