Devens, MA – Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions recently showcased its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Devens by hosting an event where industry leaders explored market insights and strategies. The 150,000sf facility is Watson-Marlow’s first manufacturing location in the U.S. and is the company’s new North American headquarters.
(l-r): Jason Grant; Christine Harrington; Lynn Tokarczyk; Mark Melnick; and Melissa Fetterhoff, president and CEO, Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce
The event featured a panel discussion to explore how tax incentives and a design/build approach resulted in Watson-Marlow deciding to locate this facility in Massachusetts. Watson-Marlow received guidance on leveraging and negotiating tax incentive programs from Business Development Strategies, Inc (BDS). The facility was built by ARCO National Construction, New England.
The forum was highlighted by a presentation of the Massachusetts Economic Outlook by Mark Melnick, director of economic and public policy research at the UMass Donahue Institute. The discussion was moderated by Jason Grant, president of ARCO National Construction, New England. Joining Grant and Melnick on the panel were Christine Harrington, director of U.S. supply at Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions, and government tax incentives specialist Lynn Tokarczyk, president of BDS.
“We find that the communities that have very strong marketing campaigns, making it clear they are open for business and willing to go the extra-mile to make real estate expansions possible, are the cities and towns winning these projects,” said Tokarczyk. “Communities such as Devens are willing to engage because they recognize the value of new tax revenue and jobs. We are finding now that tax incentives are important more than ever as companies are making corporate real estate decisions, and tax incentives should be secured before companies sign a lease or close on property.”
“Partnering with Lynn and Business Development Strategies on getting the tax incentives was huge in our decision-making process to build this facility in Devens,” said Harrington. “Massachusetts’ goals on sustainability match-up perfectly with what we are trying to do at Watson-Marlow. This is a LEED Gold certified facility, and we are installing solar array covering the entire roof. The Devens Enterprise Commission worked with us on the utility rules and guidelines, making it possible for us to install these solar arrays. When completed, the solar arrays will provide 70% of our power supply throughout this facility at peak times.”
