Story of Chapco President Brian Weinstein

Brian Weinstein, like the fabricated parts his company is known for, is very precise about what motivates him.

“I love waking up every morning, coming to work, finding a better way to do things, and figuring out the pieces of the puzzle.” Brian is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Chapco, Inc. – a high performance contract manufacturer of precision sheet metal, machined components, fabricated elements, and assemblies.

Based in Chester, Chapco is recognized as one of the top manufacturing companies in the local, state, and regional markets, having won numerous awards including Middlesex Chamber of Commerce Manufacturer of the Year, Small Business Association (SBA) Connecticut Exporter of the Year, and SBA New England Small Business Manufacturer of the Year.

Because they focus on solutions centered around precision and quality rather than vertical industries, Chapco products show up in a variety of applications.

Chapco manufactured parts for the defense and marine industries

Those Dippin’ Dots vending machines that kids love? Chapco. Ultraviolet light towers that make hospital rooms safer? Chapco. Parts in the nuclear defense submarines of the United States government? Chapco as well.

The company was founded in 1964 as a metal job shop. Brian’s father invested in Chapco in 1987, and his son started working there in 2000. For Brian, it was supposed to be “a few months stint.” Now, he’s been involved in all aspects of the business for more than a quarter century.

Brian Weinstein of Chapco walks through facility

Chapco was with a big box bank for years, but as it began to plot serious expansion plans in 2013, they wondered if a better partner was out there.

“ We really wanted to work with a community bank that we could have a much more significant relationship with,” says Weinstein, “and they would understand more who we are rather than just being a number.” His next meeting was with former Essex Bank President Greg Shook. “I really loved everything he and the Bank were about,” recalls Brian, adding that he appreciated Shook not just meeting in the Chapco conference room, but walking the entire factory floor in a suit.

A week later, Brian was enjoying dinner and music at the Griswold Inn – a historic spot near the water in Essex. “I’m watching this awesome band play, saying to myself, ‘I know this guy… where is he from?’” Shortly thereafter, the lightbulb went off: The bass player was Greg Shook. “It was a neat moment, and brought together the fact that he’s in the community. He's not just a banker, he's one of us.”

Brian Weinstein of Chapco discussed plans with Thomas Casey of Essex Bank

Strategic Partnership

”The Bank has been a bit of an advisor,” says Brian. “When we have a piece of machinery or a potential building, we really work together to figure out how best to structure the loan, structure the debt, and what that means to Chapco.”

Tom Casey of Essex Bank with Brian Weinstein of Chapco

Dynamic Approach

Brian appreciates how the Bank really listens to his goals, understands his business model, and deciphers the details of his plans into customized solutions. “I just feel like they are creative in what they can offer.”

Chapco President Brian Weinstein with Thomas Casey of Essex Bank

Direct Access

When asked what makes Essex Bank unique to other financial institutions, Brian notes the direct line to qualified professionals. “ I feel comfortable that I always have access to the final decision maker.”

At the time Chapco started working with Essex Bank, they had 40 employees. Now, the manufacturer is a team upwards of 70 – and growing.

The company includes its mantra in all of communications, both to customers out in the world and workers in-house: Manufacturing Partnerships, Not Just Parts.

Chapco has found success in promoting the assets that go beyond products and services – its culture, its people, and its desire to forge truly supportive bonds.“Like the Bank,” says Brian, “ we feel relationships are very important as well.”

Like most commercial customers, Weinstein loves the double benefit that Essex Bank provides – comparable resources to any other financial institution, with the benefits that come from having multiple professionals who know you and your business well.

Brian Weinstein of Chapco talking on the phone

Brian notes the importance of relationships he has with several leaders of the Bank, as they allow Chapco to execute growth plans with more fluidity and success.

“I not only have access to a lending officer, but the Chief Lending Officer. And I also talk to the President a lot, so I regularly turn to her help as well.”

Despite already having a highly-successful business – or more so, because of it – Weinstein is excited about the prospects for significant expansion of Chapco.”We have fairly significant growth plans. We want to consolidate our three facilities into one large building. We want to purchase some new technology and continue to work on culture here.”

All of these plans, of course, include conversations with the Essex Bank team. “Essex Bank is more than a bank to us. We're just confident that we have Essex Bank in our backyard ready to help with this growth.”