James Moran, City of East Providence

On October 26^th, Aspen Aerogels celebrated the completion of its third manufacturing line at the company’s primary manufacturing facility in East Providence. Governor Gina Raimondo, senator Jack Reed, senator Sheldon Whitehouse, East Providence mayor Thomas Rose and a number of state and local community leaders attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and facility tour. The $30 million expansion is an integral step in Aspen’s long-term strategy for growth and will expand the company’s manufacturing capacity at the plant by 25% to meet the increasing demand of its customers. Aspen Aerogels is a leading energy technology company which develops and manufactures high performance aerogel insulation products. The company employs more than 180 people in East Providence.

Senator Reed said, “This marks the second major expansion of Aspen’s manufacturing facilities and productivity here in East Providence in the last several years. It is great to see this type of investment in the community and I remain committed to doing all I can to help Aspen and other local businesses succeed.”

Governor Raimondo, who also spoke at the event, stated, “I am honored to be here today to celebrate another innovative and growing company in Rhode Island.  Aspen’s investment in our state and their continuous growth is a clear sign that companies can make it in Rhode Island and bring more jobs to the Ocean State.”  Mayor Thomas Rose noted that “Aspen is a well-respected member of our community. We greatly value their presence here. Aspen is a great example of investment in East Providence’s waterfront and has great potential to drive economic development, job growth, and bring extra revenue to the city.”

Don Young, president and chief executive officer at Aspen Aerogels expressed his gratitude to Rhode Island leaders and the city. “We know that the launch of this new facility would not have been possible without the support and encouragement from the state of Rhode Island and East Providence,” Young said at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Aspen Aerogels is an energy technology company that designs, develops and manufactures innovative, high-performance aerogel insulation that is used primarily in large-scale energy infrastructure facilities. Aspen’s Pyrogel and Cryogel insulation products provide superior performance, enabling customers to save energy, improve yields, increase profits and provide a safer working environment.  Aspen Aerogels manufactures its Cryogel, Pyrogel and Spaceloft products at the East Providence manufacturing facility.

The city is eager to assist anyone looking to establish a new business or who may be seeking to expand their existing business in East Providence. Visit www.eastprovidence.com or the city’s Waterfront District website at www.eastprovidencewaterfront.com  for more information on economic activities in our city.

James Moran is the economic planner for East Providence, R.I.