In recent decades, the northeast has experienced dramatic changes in commercial demographics with shifts away from manufacturing sector industries and equally significant upward shifts in service sector, finance and insurance sector industries. The loss of manufacturing sector jobs has resulted, generally, in lower paying jobs with a less skilled workforce, particularly within service sector industries. In these times then, it is always encouraging to see manufacturing industries investing in new development in our region. The city has been particularly fortunate with the retention or attraction of several significant manufacturers that have elected to locate or expand within East Providence.
Previous editorials have highlighted the decision of Aspen Aerogels headquartered in Northborough, Mass., to build their primary manufacturing facility in East Providence. This company invested $60 million in the developing this facility and the creation of more than 100 high paying manufacturing jobs.
Several other manufacturing firms have chosen to expand their operations in East Providence. German based Igus, Inc. has received all of their approvals for construction of a new 96,000 s/f building in Rumford. Igus expects to commence construction in June.
Another company, EFD has acquired an existing 116,000 s/f building in the Westminster Industrial Park and will be investing $9 million in the renovation of the building. The facility will consolidate several of EFD's facilities located in East Providence and in other locations in the State. The Colibri Group has elected to locate packaging and warehousing facilities and will invest nearly $1 million at their facility.
The decision of these companies to locate or expand in East Providence is a welcome part of the city's economic expansion activity.
For more information about the development in East Providence should visit www.eastprovidence.com or www.eastprovidencewaterfront.com
James Moran is the economic planner for East Providence.