Doncasters announced the commissioning of a brand-new, fully automated shell line at its Groton, Connecticut facility––a major milestone within its 2025 Performance Improvement Plan and a key advancement in the company’s long-term manufacturing strategy.

The $13 million capital investment expands the Groton site’s operational footprint by 17,000 sq. ft and introduces next-generation automation and environmental control systems.

Equipped with three high-precision 6-axis robots and the IC-Crystal Shell Management System, the new line significantly enhances production capacity, part quality, and operational reliability.

“Our new fully automated shell system isn’t just a machinery upgrade—it’s a strategic leap forward,” said Mike Looney, general manager at Doncasters Groton. According to Looney, the investment will allow the company to take on more complex, high-volume aerospace projects.