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When the CCAT team visited Horst Engineering’s state-of-the-art East Hartford facility, we didn’t have to look far to see additive manufacturing’s impact. It was everywhere—on workbenches, in toolrooms, and integrated into production lines. From custom spindle liners to 3D-printed fixtures, Horst has made additive a daily part of its operations—and a driving force behind innovation.
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Known for precision-machined components for aerospace and other high-tech industries, Horst is redefining what it means to think outside the box. With CCAT as an early partner, the company explored what was possible, discovered the value firsthand, and used state support to make adoption more affordable. Today, Horst is leading by example—using additive to improve efficiency, empower its workforce, and strengthen Connecticut’s manufacturing ecosystem.
When Horst acquired its first 3D printers in 2024, it wasn’t just an equipment investment—it was a mindset shift. What began as an experiment led by an intern has become a movement changing how the company designs, repairs, and innovates.
From Curiosity to Capability
The spark came when Engineering Associate Matt Sprouse, then an intern experimenting with 3D printing at home (he owns nine personal printers), visited CCAT’s booth at ACM’s Aerospace Alley trade show.
“I showed our leadership team what people were doing with 3D printing and said, ‘We can do all of this. There’s nothing stopping us.'”
—Matt Sprouse
With leadership support—and help from CCAT and Connecticut’s Additive Voucher Program—Horst purchased its first printers. What followed was rapid progress: printing custom fixtures, electrical covers, spindle liners, collet boxes, and countless other tooling aids that save time, reduce waste, and improve organization. In just the first year, the team estimates they’ve saved over $10,000 by printing parts in-house and streamlining workflows.
Innovation Everywhere You Look
“They’re printing everything from tooling supports to custom machine parts,” said Tim Olson, Director of Engineering and Quality.
“One example is our 3D-printed spindle stock feeder bar, which saves us nearly $250 per bar.”
—Tim Olson
“Our project has helped us on several levels—from spindle liners to part unloader jaws for our Swiss machine,” added Jordin Gargano, Executive Assistant at Horst. “We’ve seen large savings in both the manufacturing of parts as well as over all material cost and time savings when it comes to handling.”
Additive manufacturing is now woven into Horst’s culture. Employees submit print requests through a custom SolidWorks PDM portal, helping engineers manage ideas and quickly move designs from concept to production.
CCAT’s Role in the Journey
“What stands out about Horst is their willingness to explore and learn,” said Sarah Wojtczak, Manufacturing Applications Engineer at CCAT.
“They didn’t just buy a printer—they embraced the process of discovery. That’s exactly what we strive to inspire at CCAT.”
—Sarah Wojtczak
CCAT has played an important role in advancing additive manufacturing across Connecticut—helping companies explore and apply the technology to improve performance and competitiveness. Working directly with manufacturers, our additive specialists help identify applications, test materials, and integrate 3D printing into production, from rapid prototyping to end-use parts.
Horst Engineering has been a proud partner for nearly a decade. Since first engaging through the Manufacturing Innovation Fund Voucher Program in 2015, CCAT and Horst have collaborated on demonstrations and pilot projects to explore how emerging technologies—like additive manufacturing—can strengthen operations and drive measurable impact.
From that first conversation at Aerospace Alley to ongoing technical guidance, grant support, and workforce programs, CCAT has helped make technology adoption more accessible and affordable.
“With Connecticut’s Additive Voucher Program supporting half the funding, it was definitely an easier conversation to get everything going,” Sprouse said.
Sustainability in Action
Horst’s embrace of additive manufacturing is not only advancing innovation—it’s reinforcing their long-standing commitment to sustainability. As an early adopter of solar power and a member of 1% for the Planet, Horst has earned recognition for operating green facilities and minimizing waste across production. Additive’s ability to reduce material use and energy consumption aligns perfectly with their mission to build precision parts responsibly, supporting a stronger, more sustainable manufacturing ecosystem.
The Power of a Champion
Horst’s leadership credits its success to having a passionate internal advocate.
“You need a champion to spearhead this type of project,” said Olson. “Just getting a 3D printer isn’t enough."
"You need someone with a vision who can show others what’s possible. Matt helped open everyone’s eyes to the limitless potential of this technology.”
—Tim Olson
That mindset has spread throughout the organization, where additive manufacturing is now part of day-to-day problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Investing in the Workforce of the Future
Horst also shares CCAT’s commitment to empowering the next generation of manufacturers.
The best example of this investment is their trust in Matt—embracing his ideas and allowing him to lead Horst’s additive initiatives. They’ve built a robust program for students, offering hands-on learning and exposure to advanced technologies that help young people see modern manufacturing as a high-tech, rewarding career path.
Horst frequently opens its doors to students across the state, inviting them to experience the possibilities of manufacturing firsthand. They are exceptional role models of how to drive the industry forward—by empowering fresh ideas and giving emerging talent room to lead.
Looking Ahead
With four printers now in operation and growing interest from commercial customers, Horst is preparing to take the next step—expanding into metal additive manufacturing to produce and finish commercial-grade components in-house.
Sprouse’s advice to other manufacturers: participate in CCAT’s QuickStart program. It offers the chance to test a 3D printer at no cost—a hands-on experience similar to how Horst’s journey began.
“Quick Start gives manufacturers a low-risk way to explore what additive can do,” said Wojtczak. “They can print real parts, test materials, and see the results for themselves. That firsthand experience builds confidence and often sparks the same excitement we saw at Horst.”
CCAT proudly celebrates Horst Engineering as a Voice of Innovation—demonstrating how curiosity, collaboration, and an open mind can transform ideas into impact and set the standard for excellence in aerospace manufacturing.
About Voices of Innovation
Voices of Innovation spotlights leaders across the region's manufacturing ecosystem who are embracing technology adoption and workforce training to drive performance, innovation, and growth. Through first-hand insights from our partners, we explore the real-world impact of digital transformation and how companies are preparing for the future of advanced manufacturing.
To learn more about the series, or how CCAT helps drive smarter manufacturing, contact us at tnt@ccat.us.
To learn more about CCAT’s QuickStart program and how your company can test a 3D printer before investing, visit ccat.us/quick-start
