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HISTORY OF NESMA
NESMA began with a few owners of spring companies in the Bristol Connecticut area back in 1956 when they began recognizing the need for a trained, skilled work force. At this point NESMA stood for New England Spring Manufactures Association. In later years it was officially changed to The New England Spring and Metal Stamping Association, the change occurred because so many of NESMA membership industry was spring and metal stamping.Constitution and Bylaws were revised on April 8, 1960 designating the New England Association as a Division of the National Association. During many years NESMA recognized the importance of the workforce and the need of individuals to choose manufacturing as a career option. In 1973 many NESMA members worked with the City of Bristol and State of Connecticut officials to develop a Spring Training Program at Eastern High School in Bristol. Over 30 students enrolled in the fall program of 1973 and were strong for over ten years. 
During the later years of the 70’s, NESMA membership was growing as more spring companies and its association with the steel industry grew. Soon after membership starting to expand, NESMA Board created and held their first NESMA Table Top Exposition which was held at the Holiday Inn in Plainville CT on April 5, 1979. The Table Top Expo allowed NESMA membership and affiliates to review what was happening in their industry. Today, the Table Top Exposition currently exists and serves the same purpose it did over 30 years ago. Many of the members from NESMA start are currently members today.
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NESMA (The New England Spring and Metal Stamping Association) is a trade organization
representing spring manufacturers and technical members primarily within the State of
Connecticut with membership now that have extended throughout the United States. In February of 1956 at the Hotel Statler in Hartford CT, an 18 member committee formed and met to develop Constitution and Bylaws for an organization. On November 3, 1956 a motion was made and passed to form a local association and to cooperate with National Association of Spring Manufacturers. On April 10, 1957 a Charter Meeting was held with 19 Charter Members, the Constitution and Bylaws were presented and NESMA was officially created. June 11, 1957 Officers were elected, the first President of NESMA was G. Donald Jacobson from Newcomb Spring and Frederick R. Downs, Jr., Vice President from Humason Mfg Company, at this point NESMA was an official organization who met monthly to review the world of spring industry and what was occurring through the membership.
The Spring Academy that was held back in the 70’s at Eastern High School and E.C. Goodwin, Bristol slowly died off as grant monies to support the program went away. In 2008, NESMA and its current membership still see the need for young people choosing manufacturing as a great career path with excellent opportunities for growth. Early in 2006, the owners of local manufacturers and membership of NESMA saw the need of a strong workforce to support manufacturing in the Connecticut and the US. Summer of 2007, The Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce , NESMA membership, the Bristol Technical Education Center along with the areas workforce board are trying to create the "Spring Academy" .
The commitment of NESMA continues as it holds monthly meeting along with events to keep abreast of the world of manufacturing. NESMA’s membership continues to support each other along with offering opportunities for young people to see the value of manufacturing in Connecticut and the US.
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