EDC Chairman Optimistic Heading Into 2013

By all measurements, 2012 was a good year for Tewksbury business and industry.

In addition to new local businesses opening up, there was also positive movement on the corporate front with companies moving to town, such as Thermo Fisher and Cambridge Isotope Laboratories.

Economic Development Committee Chairman David Plunkett says he is optimistic about the direction the town is heading entering 2013.

"During this (national) economic downturn, I think that can be an opportunity to position the town where we can expand the tax base and create jobs," said Plunkett. "I think you are seeing some of those results."

Community Development Director Steve Sadwick said three additional companies are either opening locations in Tewksbury or are expanding their Tewksbury operations.

• Corning Glass (495 Network Center) originally permitted 39,000 square feet in 2011. They received their occupancy permit in January 2012 and has since added and additional 11,200 square feet.
• Worldwide Tech Services (495 Network Center) has occupied 17,000 square feet of office space. They just started renovations and expansion of approximately 25,000 square feet. The expansion is in addition to their existing operations at this headquarter location.
• Xenith Corp. (515 Woburn St.) has permitted 50,000 square feet for warehousing and testing of manufactured sports helmets. They currently employ 15 people in Lowell and anticipate four people at their Tewksbury facility.

Plunkett said that attracting industry to Tewksbury is a cooperative effort, with the EDC, Community Development Office and Planning Board each working to create a "business friendly" environment.

"You have the EDC saying to business, 'we'll be a conduit for you,'" he said. "And you have the Planning Board, not being a rubber stamp, but recognizing the needs of businesses to occupy a property and be up and running as quickly as possible."

And at the center of the process is Sadwick, working with companies and various town boards to balance the needs of the business with the interests of the town.

Plunkett said that while he is hopeful 2013 will be a positive year for commercial growth in Tewksbury, there are never any guarantees.

"What the future brings depends on businesses deciding Tewksbury is an attractive place to be," he said.