In today's economically distressed times, it is always gratifying to see companies expanding their business enterprises locally. It becomes even more rewarding when that company is a manufacturer and one that has been a part of the city of East Providence landscape for some time. EFD Inc., a Nordson company, is a leading designer and manufacturer of precision dispensing systems that apply accurate, consistent amounts of the adhesives, sealants, lubricants and other assembly fluids used in virtually every manufacturing process. The company, previously located on Waterman Ave. in our city, was looking to consolidate its facilities into a single building and needed a structure that was large enough to accommodate their combined operations. Luckily, a building well suited to this consolidation was available on Catamore Blvd., just around the corner from the company's existing Waterman Ave. facility. The company elected to stay in the city after considering a move to another state based on several positive factors that supported remaining in Rhode Island including the quality of the company's local labor force. After $9 million in renovations to the building, EFD is now ready to gear up operations to full capacity at their new consolidated facility at 40 Catamore Blvd.
On December 12th, the company held a grand opening ceremony to celebrate the official opening of their new facility. The event was attended by numerous government officials, local business leaders and neighboring businesses. At the conclusion of the ceremony, EFD officials offered tours of the new facility and its operations. Manufacturing, especially high technology manufacturers like EFD and the recently opened nanotechnology company, Aspen Aerogels on Dexter Rd., are some of the regions most critical economic engines that are key to a prosperous future for Rhode Island's economy. Fostering their growth, retention and expansion should continue to be a high priority for government officials, both locally and at the state level. Only with quality manufacturing can the state and local governments build a strong foundation for economic stability in Rhode Island.
Questions regarding this project or for those who are interested in learning more about the economic development and/or waterfront development activities occurring in East Providence should visit the city's website at www.eastprovidence.com or the city's waterfront district website at www.eastprovidencewaterfront.com.
James Moran is the city planner for East Providence.