Industrial Strength is the Connecticut Manufacturer For 2020!

The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced its 2020 Small Business week Awardees. Of the ten awardees is Maria Pinto, CEO of Industrial Strength Needle as the Manufacturer of the Year! An SBA Manufacturer of the year is one that shows staying power, growth in number of employees, innovativeness of product or service being offered as well as contributions to community-oriented projects. Industrial Strength Needle encompasses all the criteria mentioned above and more.

Maria Pinto has been in the needle manufacturing business for over 25 years, as part of her family’s company. In 1995, being a body modification enthusiast, she saw the need for a specialized needle specifically designed for body piercing. She began working on this with her team of engineers and developed the “Sharp Ass Needle“. Since its inception, Industrial Strength LLC., has been a leader in product research and development and job creator. Maria has worked with numerous body piercers to develop new products as well as being able to modify existing products with the artist in mind. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and recognizing those who work so hard to achieve success is truly an honor,” said Mark S. Hayward, SBA Acting District Director for Connecticut. “Maria Pinto and her team have created the finest tattoo needles in the industry, Congrats to the entire team at Industrial Strength Needle.”

As a recipient of a SBA 7(a) loan and an Export loan. Maria has utilized the CT Small Business Development Center for ongoing business counseling in exports. These SBA guaranteed loans were done with the assistance of M & T Bank. Along with piercing needles, she also developed an after-care skin line that is all natural to help heal both piecing’s and tattoos which has also expanded into the beauty industry. Maria is also a big part of educating the community on needle manufacturing and providing her community with quality products. The business has done so well she was able to expand and open a distribution center in the United Kingdom.