Dancing Orchid Soapworks (Marlborough)
Today, the Commonwealth’s Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) approved six projects for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) and one Vacant Storefront Project. These projects are expected to create 297 net new jobs and retain 25 jobs throughout Massachusetts, while leveraging approximately $108.6 million in private investment. Of the applicants this quarter, three are manufacturers and two are located in Gateway Cities.
The EACC has approved 278 economic development projects since the beginning of the Baker-Polito Administration in January 2015. These projects will result in the creation of 22,053 jobs, retention of 39,264 existing jobs, and will leverage almost $6.2 billion in private investment. Additionally, the EACC has assisted 121 manufacturing companies and 124 companies in Gateway Cities during this period.
Certified Vacant Storefront Project:
Dancing Orchid Soapworks (Marlborough) Dancing Orchid Soapworks is a handmade soap and bath products company. The business originally began as an online soap business and has since grown into selling soy candles, body lotions and other health and beauty items. They ship orders all over the world and make their products fresh daily onsite with high quality natural ingredients. They are currently renting a small room on the second floor of a business in Marlborough, however they are outgrowing their 490-square-foot space and customers are having difficulties finding them; which is why they are seeking to expand into a ground level vacant storefront. They are receiving $5,100 in rental assistance from the city of Marlborough and $5,100 in refundable tax credits from the state.
Certified Projects:
BC Gourmet USA, Inc. (Gloucester) Founded in 2017, BC Gourmet produces and distributes high-quality food, sauces, and dips. The company has engaged in an ambitious expansion-by-acquisition strategy. In 2019 they acquired a company in New York and consolidated the operations into their facility located in Lynn. They are now in talks to acquire a Florida-based business that they would also consolidate to Massachusetts. Their current facility in Lynn does not have enough capacity for additional production, thus leading them to consider relocation to a larger facility in Gloucester. BC Gourmet plans to create eight new full-time jobs, retain 25 full-time employees and make a private investment of $1.2 million. The city of Gloucester approved a five-year TIF valued at approximately $14,167. The EACC Board has approved EDIP investment tax credits in the amount of $34,000.
Local Incentive Only Projects:
Watson-Marlow America Manufacturing, Inc. (Devens) Watson-Marlow is a leading global manufacturer of peristaltic pumps and associated fluid path technologies. The US headquarters of the Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group is based in Wilmington, Massachusetts and serves a wide range of industries. The Devens project will result in the construction of an estimated 139,000-square-foot manufacturing facility with land capacity for future expansion. The Devens location will not affect the Wilmington site. Watson-Marlow is creating 150 new jobs, and will make a private investment of $53 million. Devens approved a 10-year TIF valued at approximately $1.5 million.
Hotel Jess, LLC (Holyoke) Built around the 1880s, the Hotel Jess is an architecturally significant building situated on the high-profile corner of Main and Dwight streets. The proposed redevelopment plan is to convert the two upper floors into eight high-end studio apartments and convert the first-floor space into a restaurant with dining. Restoration of the property will require significant structural, mechanical, and cosmetic work. They have received Mass Historic tax credits, will rely on HDIP to aid in the transformation of the upper floors, and a TIF from EDIP for the first-floor commercial space. The project will create 10 new full-time jobs and will entail a private investment of approximately $850,000. The city of Holyoke approved a five-year TIF with a value of approximately $20,811.
MA Greenhouse, LLC (Lunenburg) Packaged salad brand, BrightFarms plans to build a 12-acre hydroponic greenhouse in Lunenburg where they will grow salad greens and herbs for sale in local supermarkets. The project will be built in two phases each consisting of six acres. The site lies behind a Hannaford grocery store and a Walmart, both of which are current clients. This new location will result in the creation of 60 new jobs and an investment of $27 million. The town of Lunenburg plans to approve an eight-year Tax Financing Agreement with a value of approximately $1.6 million.
ServedWell New Bedford, LLC (New Bedford) ServedWell New Bedford, LLC is an operating entity formed for the purpose of redeveloping and operating a destination restaurant and entertainment center on the New Bedford waterfront using the abandoned Edge restaurant facility. When complete, it will become Cisco Kitchen + Bar Restaurant with additional outdoor entertainment and food kiosk areas. The company plans to create 45 new jobs and make an investment of $4.4 million. The city of New Bedford plans to approve a 10-year Tax Financing Agreement with a value of approximately $95,038.
Complete Cold Logistics, LLC (Sturbridge) The Massachusetts-based company was founded in July 2020 to provide temperature-controlled warehousing as the New England regional operating partner of a subsidiary RLS Partners, a third generation family business. They plan to build an 83,000 square foot cold storage facility to increase capacity of cold storage in Central Massachusetts. Complete Cold Logistics is creating 24 new jobs and making an investment of $22 million. The town of Sturbridge plans to approve a 10-year Tax Financing Agreement with a value of approximately $1.7 million.