Connecticut’s Bevin Bros. Bell Factory Rings True After 200 Years

In a quaint factory in East Hampton, Connecticut, the sound of bells jingling resonates with the spirit of the holiday season. Bevin Bros., a bell manufacturer, has been crafting these iconic sounds for nearly 200 years. Established in 1832, the company is recognized for producing various bells, including those featured in the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life” and the famous “More Cowbell” sketch from Saturday Night Live.

Cici Bevin, the current president of Bevin Bros., emphasized the factory’s unique status as the last remaining dedicated bell factory in the United States. With a history that began with four Bevin brothers, the company has adapted through generations, now entering its sixth. “I joined the company with no job description,” Cici Bevin stated, recounting her journey from an outsider to a leader in the family business.

Annually, Bevin Bros. produces approximately 600,000 sleigh bells, 30,000 to 40,000 cowbells, 100,000 Christmas bell ornaments, and 300 yacht bells. Despite the challenges of a mature market, Cici Bevin reported surprising growth, stating, “It’s brought us into the black and out of the red.” This growth is crucial for a company that has faced significant hurdles, including competition from foreign imports and the transition to electric bell technology.

Adaptation and Resilience in Business

The evolution of Bevin Bros. has been marked by pivotal moments. The introduction of electric bells in the early 20th century significantly altered the landscape for bell manufacturing. Many companies did not survive this transition, but Bevin Bros. thrived by adapting to new market conditions. Cici Bevin reflected, “There were certainly times where financial advisors would have suggested shutting down, but we had no quit in us.”

The factory faced another major challenge in 2012 when a fire destroyed its original building on Bevin Road. Remarkably, the company resumed production within three weeks at a nearby facility, albeit in a smaller space of 23,000 square feet compared to the original 100,000 square feet.

Cici Bevin acknowledged the support from Connecticut officials, including Governor Ned Lamont and former chief manufacturing officer Paul Lavoie. “They’ve created a culture for manufacturers to find support and create networks,” she noted. With state funding covering 30% of improvements, Bevin Bros. is currently modernizing operations, launching its first major digitalization initiative this month.

Community Engagement and Future Aspirations

Bevin Bros. has established a diverse customer base that includes supplying bells for every mine globally, where they serve as essential safety equipment. The company’s bell featured in “It’s a Wonderful Life” remains a bestseller, often evoking deep emotional connections among customers. The production process for this bell is intricate, taking about four weeks to complete, involving stamping, buffing, engraving, and silver plating before final assembly.

Additionally, Bevin Bros. produces bells for the Salvation Army, providing the iconic bells used by bell ringers across the United States each holiday season. Michael Baldelli, a spokesperson for the Salvation Army, noted, “The red kettle and the bell ringing are iconic this time of year. Bevin supplies those bells not just in Connecticut but throughout the entire country.”

Looking ahead, Cici Bevin is focused on driving the company toward greater profitability and expanding employment opportunities. “We love our history, but we are not just sitting back enjoying our reputation,” she asserted. Her commitment to modernization and growth reflects a determination to keep Bevin Bros. relevant in an ever-changing market, ensuring that the sound of bells will continue to ring for generations to come.