Deep Engineering Knowledge and a Commitment
to Quality
Working with HABCO means working with
our entire team. The quality of every product we make is
a direct result of these individuals – their experience,
their training, and their responsiveness.
Kristin Muschett has been president and CEO of HABCO,
Inc. since 1998. Under her entrepreneurial leadership,
HABCO grew 100% in the last five years by forming
strategic business partnerships and pushing innovative
engineering beyond traditional limits to provide
testing and support equipment used by aerospace,
fuel cell, automotive and medical industries.
Ms. Muschett launched the integration of Lean Enterprise
throughout the organization and ensures that safety
is the guiding principle behind everything HABCO
does. She is shaping the future of the industry by
staying focused on her end-user customers, successfully
developing a mentor-protégé partnership
with Pratt and Whitney, and regularly initiating
CEO visits with top officials to better understand
the safety needs of the defense industry, medical
community and other key industries so HABCO can deliver.
A graduate of the University of Hartford, Ms. Muschett
is currently a member of the Aerospace Component
Manufacturers group, serves on the Connecticut Business
and Industry Association (CBIA) board of directors
and is a board member for the Glastonbury Education
Foundation.
Brian S. Montanari Chief Operating
Officer Tel: (860)
682-6800 x104 E-mail:
Brian leads HABCO’s business development strategy
and Lean initiatives. Since gaining Lean knowledge
and experience at The Wiremold Company, Brian has
held leadership positions at C&M Corporation,
Respironics Novametrix, and most recently HID Global,
a CT Shingo Prize Recipient. His Lean implementations
have received international recognition, being widely
documented through publications and training videos,
and serving as host sites for many Lean workshops
and seminars. Brian is a partner at Lean Depot, LLC,
which provides world class Lean products and services
for companies serious about implementing Lean. Brian’s
deep grounding in Lean enables HABCO to develop test
stand configurations that optimize a customer’s
lean implementation.
Brian has published numerous articles on Lean and often
presents at seminars and conferences on Lean topics,
such as Kanban, Culture Change and The Shingo Prize.
He is a professor at Eastern Connecticut State University
where he teaches Lean Management. He also serves on
the board of directors for the Association of Manufacturing
Excellence, is a member of Connecticut’s Shingo
Prize Advisory Committee and serves on CBIA’s
steering committee for the Lean/Supply Chain Certificate
program. Brian holds an MBA from Central Connecticut
State University and a bachelor’s degree in finance
from Siena College.
David A. Plis Vice President, Technology
and Development
Tel: (860) 682-6800 x102 E-mail:
Dave is responsible for new product development and also drives continual improvement in HABCO’s
organization. During his 18 year tenure at HABCO, Dave has held a number of positions including Engineering, Sales and General Managment.
Dave holds bachelor’s degrees in Electrical Engineering
and Computer Science from the University of Connecticut
and a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Dave is a
member of the Tau Beta Pi Society.
Bob Muschett Chief Financial
Officer
Tel: (860) 682-6800 x103 E-mail:
Bob oversees HABCO’s fiscal responsibilities.
With an additional background in MIS systems and
databases, he brings a wealth of efficiencies to
day-to-day operations. Bob has managed network systems,
directed installations and developed customized software
solutions for Hartford Steam Boiler Insurance. He
holds a bachelor’s degree in management from
the University of Hartford.
Rob
Stevens Shop Manager
Tel: (860) 682-6800 x113 E-mail:
Rob maintains HABCO’s rigorous
scheduling and commitment to 100% on-time delivery.
He has an extensive background in fabrication from
International Fuel Cells (ONSI Corporation) and Standard
Knapp Inc. He holds certifications of completion
from East Coast School of Welding, AutoCAD 2002 from
Middlesex Community College, Kaizen Train the Trainer
from JPD Assoc., and Lean Strategic Inventory & 5s
from Central Connecticut State University. Rob is
also a member of the board of the Standard Knapp
Employees Federal Credit Union.
Quality:
Tracy
Albert Financial Manager
Tel: (860) 682-6800 x111 E-mail:
As Financial Manager, Tracy
is implementing lean accounting practices to minimize
the bottom line cost of HABCO products. She
has a background in business analysis, accounting
and banking. She is a member of HABCO’s team
competing for the bronze level Shingo Prize for
manufacturing in 2008.
Tracy
is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting
at Central Connecticut State University. She
holds an associate’s degree in accounting from
Manchester Community College.
Vinnie specializes in structural and system design
of pneumatic & hydraulic systems and ground support
equipment. He has a background in diesel equipment
maintenance and has taught numerous training seminars
on pneumatics and hydraulics as well as pump maintenance.
Vinnie is a graduate of Universidad Technologica
de Panama, and has completed courses at Central Connecticut
State University in hydraulics theory and lean manufacturing.
Michael Burrow Controls Designer
Tel: (860) 682-6800 x119 E-mail:
Michael develops and improves HABCO’s electrical
control and data acquisition systems as well as electrical
component test fixtures and software applications.
He has worked with Asterik, Inc., Thames Automation,
Electric Boat, and Wescorp, Inc. He is also a United
States Navy nuclear trained electrician’s mate.
Michael is a graduate of many United States Naval Technical
Schools. He brings a wealth of knowledge related to
400 Hz motor generators, main storage battery, switchgear
and controller maintenance and 300 kW motor generators.
He was an electrician’s mate "1st Class",
and has completed training in nuclear power, electronic
test equipment, and nuclear prototypes. He has completed
Trident Design School and is a Quality Assurance Inspector.
Michael
Diaz Electrical Engineer
Tel: (860) 682-6800 x121 E-mail:
Michael’s background is in
microelectronics and optoelectronics. He has held
various research and teaching positions at the
University of Connecticut. He holds bachelor’s
and master’s degrees in electrical engineering
from the University of Connecticut and is a member
of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE). He has completed Ground Radio
Communications/ Electronic Principles, a program
offered by the U.S. Air Force.
Michael creates, develops and maintains
standard products for all market segments. He has
been a manufacturing engineer specializing in aerospace
test stand design at both General Electric and Hamilton
Sundstrand. When he joined HABCO in 2003, he brought
more than 30 years of experience to our company.
Michael holds a BS in mechanical
engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute
and an MBA from Western New England College.
Viany designs pneumatic and hydraulic circuits and systems for HABCO. Vinay specializes in design work with 2D & 3D software packages; he has also worked on ground support equipment. Vinay previously worked injunction with the Central Connecticut State University and CCAT (Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology). He graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Vinay is also a member of ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers).
Arthur F. Williams Mechanical Design
Engineer
Tel: (860) 682-6800 x128
Arthur has a background in process and product developmentfor electrochemical water purification and treatment processes. He has been a Product Development Engineer and Process Engineer for U.S. Filter and Halox Technologies. Arthur brings fifteen years of engineering experience and a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Southern Connecticut State University to the HABCO Team.
Customer
Service:
Joseph Frattaroli Products Specialist
Tel: (860) 682-6800 x126
Joseph is currently taking on three separate responsibilities at HABCO: services, where jobs are processed for calibrations, repairs, and spare parts. Lean, these concepts are continuously implemented towards the facility; also training in Quality, to become more resourceful in QA tasks. Joseph graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. His background from the courses he has completed at Eastern in Lean Management will help to implement the concept throughout HABCO's facilities. Joe is also a member of HABCO's Shingo Prize Team that is competing for the bronze level Shingo Prize for Manufacturing in 2008.
degree in business management.
Michael
Wilson Technical Manager,
Calibration Services
Tel: (860) 682-6800 x109
E-mail:
As Technical Manager, Mike performs
all the calibrations for our aftermarket calibration
service. This service includes calibrations on our
Model 1544001 and 1543001 vacuum carts, and Model
1093 series suitecases, as well as our SK™ series
helicopter products. This business has grown from
a small U.S. makret in 1997 to an international market,
handling calibrations for both commercial and military
aircraft worldwide. Please visit our calibration page for
more information on calibration.
Mike is also HABCO's most senior Electronic
Technician, with 21 years of employment. He is responsible
for managing the electrical department at HABCO.
Mike regularly visits HABCO customers for on-site
calibration of our products.
Shawn manages and grows sales revenues for both
custom test stands and standard products. Previously,
he handled sales at Honeywell/AlliedSignal in Arizona
and Indiana for more than 16 years. He has been with
HABCO since early 2003 and works from his office
in Phoenix, Arizona.
Shawn graduated cum laude with a
BS in engineering technology from Arizona State University. In
2002 he earned an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University,
where he was selected by his peers for the “Outstanding
Professional Award” for exemplifying leadership,
character, integrity, achievement, initiative, cooperation,
and enthusiasm. He is also a member of the
Tau Alpha Pi Society and SBC.
David Paternostro Standard Products
Sales Manager
Tel: (860) 682-6800 x117
Fax: (860) 682-6825 E-mail:
Dave has the distinction of being the longest-term
HABCO employee, celebrating more than 30 years with
the company. In his current role, Dave is quoting
and managing standard products, a business area which
has undergone 100% growth in the past five years.
Dave is responsible for all quotations associated
with our SK helicopter product line, as well as interfacing
with representatives and distributors for these products.
He is also responsible for quoting build-to-print
jobs.
Michael
Landry Engineered Systems Sales
Manager
Tel: (860) 682-6800 x110
E-mail:
Mike understands and creates innovative solutions
for customers’ testing needs, engineering their
advantage. Previously, he spent 6 years as an electrical
engineer at HABCO, designing customized electrical
control systems and software applications for test
stands and support equipment. Mike handles requirements
for all new or customized mechanical or electrical
test equipment, as well as modifications to our standard
test equipment line. Mike is a graduate of
Central Connecticut State University with a degree
in industrial technology and electrical systems.
Mike Chymbor Custom Systems Sales
Engineer
Tel: (860) 682-6800 x107 E-mail:
Mike leads HABCO’s group of electrical and
mechanical engineers to create new custom and standard
products. Mike’s background is in electrical
control system designs and software applications.
Since his first projects on a DEC PDP-8 in 1976,
he has strived to create the most efficiently programmed
control systems. His expertise stems from a wealth
of experience in machine tool and process control
system design and programming with Davis Electric,
New Britain Machine (division of Litton Industries),
Florida Cities Water Company, Allen Bradley and Pratt & Whitney.
Mike is a graduate of the University of Connecticut
and Waterbury State Technical College. He completed
his Electronic Tech Apprenticeship at Pratt & Whitney
Aerospace.
Pictured (Left to Right, Top to Bottom):
Fred Jones, Dan Nugent, Sandro Negron, Bruce Prokesch, John Lankford, Tom Nugent, Michael Wilson, Jeremiah McKercher, Keith Malley, Andre Dukalev, Anthony Rooney, Benjamin Irizarry, Sandra Perreault, Nicolas Gaucher, Norm Gaucher, Dan Grasso, Dennis Bodbout.
Not Pictured: Jeff Tomaszewski
The Habco floor team is the collective efforts of highly skilled fabrication professionals specializing in welding, metal working, machining, painting, electrical assembly, mechanical assembly and calibration. From helicopter maintenance cranes to fuel cell test stands, the Habco floor team builds on over 38 years of experience in the manufacturing of test stands and ground support equipment. A diversity of talents melded with continuous improvements through the implementation of lean manufacturing allows the Habco floor team to work smart, efficiently and effectively. We enjoy working together, not just a team but, as a apart of the Habco family.