"One of the most impressive and technologically advanced new manufacturing/corporate facilities in New England." This was one of the most prominent of accolades stated in the New England Real Estate Journal's Project of the Month article published in their May 16-22 issue, highlighting the recently completed IGUS manufacturing headquarters in East Providence. The City of East Providence could not agree more with this statement and is delighted that IGUS elected to invest in East Providence and the State of Rhode Island for the location of their new state of the art facility.
Tucked into a corner of a quiet Rumford neighborhood, this facility is not the most visible addition to the corporate landscape of the city, but its economic impact is certainly a highly vocal statement that major industrial investment can and does work in Rhode Island. Through the judicious use of tax incentives, an effective permit review process and an open and constructive dialogue between the developer and municipal and state government, it is indeed possible to attract and retain quality high tech manufacturing that leads to job creation and prosperity for our communities.
The photographs and narrative of the NEREJ article provide an excellent overview of the challenges that were overcome and the visually inspiring outcome in constructing the building on the property and the teamwork that was necessary in making the design a reality. I would like to add that at all times the city was an enthusiastic supporter of IGUS and worked arduously to assure that all of the necessary elements for a successful outcome were in place. The city has taken this approach with other high profile manufacturing projects in recent years including the newly completed Eaton Aerospace facility in Rumford and Aspen Aerogels location and expansion activities in our city. The city has also taken steps to assure that small business investment in the city receives the same efficient review processes that ultimately will lead to new job creation and prosperity through the use of more streamlined permit review processes and a more business friendly approach to promoting economic expansion and prosperity in our city.
Developers and other parties who are interested in learning more about the economic development activities occurring in East Providence are encouraged to visit the city's website at www.eastprovidence.com or the city's Waterfront District website at www.eastprovidencewaterfront.com or contact the Department of Planning.
James Moran is the economic planner for East Providence, R.I.