Lyman Products Grows Connecticut Manufacturing with New Made in America Product Line
Connecticut manufacturer Lyman Products has built a multi-million-dollar backlog in just three months and is working with SBA as it expands domestic production.
Lyman Products, a long-time Connecticut manufacturer serving the sport shooting industry, is ramping up production after launching a new product line tied to a recent policy change. The company is adding workers, ordering equipment, and working with SBA to identify resources that can support that growth.
Start with a mission
Lyman Products has been part of Connecticut manufacturing since 1878. Founded by inventor and outdoorsman William Lyman, the company built its name on products designed to improve performance for sport shooters, beginning with the tang sight that launched the business. Today, Lyman manufactures products for the sport shooting industry through a family of brands serving sport shooters, law enforcement, and commercial ammunition manufacturers.
In recent years, the company has seen softer markets, higher freight costs, and continued pressure from imported goods. Lyman Products President and CEO Rick Ranzinger said those challenges pushed the company to bring more manufacturing back to the United States and put the business on steadier footing.
“Two years ago, about 35 to 40 percent of our products were imported. By the end of this year, we expect that share to fall to roughly 25 percent as we grow domestic production.” - Rick Ranzinger
Policy opens a new market
The Hearing Protection Act was a turning point for the company. After the bill passed, Lyman sent its engineering team to Denmark, signed a joint agreement with a company there, and brought a new product line into production in Connecticut within six months. Those products are now 100 percent manufactured in the company’s Connecticut machining centers.
“None of this would have happened without the ‘Hearing Protection Act’ and without the support of a ‘business friendly’ administration.” - Rick Ranzinger
The impact showed up quickly. In just three months, the new line generated a multi-million-dollar backlog, increased Lyman’s workforce by 24 percent, and led the company to order four new CNC machines to support growth.
“At this point, the growth potential is enormous. It’s opened up a market that’s about four times the size of the industry we’ve been in for the last 25 years.” - Rick Ranzinger
The new line fits within Lyman’s machining strengths and gives the company access to a larger market than it had been serving in recent years.
Support from SBA
Lyman had previously worked with the SBA through the Paycheck Protection Program, an SBA-administered relief effort created to help small businesses maintain payroll and cover essential business costs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ranzinger said PPP was a lifeline for the company. It helped Lyman keep manufacturing, keep paying employees, and hold onto part of its workforce during a period of severe uncertainty.
“It was literally a lifesaver for us. It allowed us to keep manufacturing. It allowed us to keep paying our employees during that period.” - Rick Ranzinger
As the business began growing again, Lyman also connected with the SBA Connecticut District Office to learn more about additional support. The company is now exploring access to capital, Connecticut Small Business Development Center assistance, and workforce-related opportunities such as apprenticeship and training programs for skilled manufacturing employees.
“It was so refreshing to meet with the SBA folks and see the enthusiasm they showed for helping us in our new venture.” - Rick Ranzinger
As the business takes on more production and hiring, SBA resources will play a key role in supporting that growth.
Results of growth
The company’s recent growth is showing up in both jobs and production capacity in Connecticut. The business has grown to roughly 120 employees and expects to keep hiring as demand increases. Many of those new roles require advanced technical skills, particularly in CNC machining.
Lyman is also continuing its broader shift toward domestic production. Two years ago, roughly 60 to 65 percent of Lyman’s products were made in the United States. By the end of this year, the company expects that to be about 75 percent and plans to keep raising that share as it invests in equipment and workers.
“The investments the Trump Administration are bringing to the US and the President’s personal support for products that are ‘Made in America’ has brought new life to our nation and to small businesses everywhere.” - Rick Ranzinger
Looking ahead
Lyman’s focus now is straightforward: grow domestic manufacturing, add skilled workers, and keep investing in Connecticut production. The company is also looking at how SBA financing, counseling, and workforce resources can support that growth.
For a business with roots going back nearly 150 years, Lyman’s latest expansion builds on a long manufacturing history while taking the company in a new direction. That next chapter is already taking shape in Connecticut.