About Us | Private Sector Expertise

A unique element of MassEcon’s services to support economic development is the ability to rally the resources and expertise of its private sector membership in the recruitment or retention of a particular company. A company considering Massachusetts as an expansion location often requires short-term expertise to assist in the location decision. MassEcon members have volunteered their time to provide real estate market overviews, site tours, construction cost estimates, residential relocation information, venture capital guidance, and other expertise.

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Example of Member Expertise

The Wind Blade Project

In early 2007, Massachusetts and Texas became finalists for a wind blade test facility to be operated by the Federal Department of Energy. MassEcon member BSC Group volunteered significant engineering and construction expertise to the team, ranging from examining existing site conditions to visiting other wind blade facilities. As a result of BSC Group’s efforts as part of the team, which was led by the Commonwealth’s Department of Business & Technology, Governor Deval Patrick announced in June that the Charlestown Navy Yard (the Autoport site owned by Massport) in Boston will be the site for the wind blade test facility in Massachusetts.

Site Finding with Member Involvement: Straumann

Straumann, a Swiss medical device manufacturer was searching for space in Massachusetts and had brought in many of the Business Resource Team partners to help with the process. One of the key elements to the location decision was real estate and finding the right property. MassEcon (through its member’s protocol) recommended its member NAI Hunneman to participate in the team. NAI Hunneman provided a real estate survey and a customized real estate tour for Straumann officials. The firm also included a detailed analysis and information on the competitive advantages of locating in Massachusetts, access to universities with dental schools, and a highly skilled workforce. Hunneman, with other Team Massachusetts members, made their presentation to Straumann officials during a meeting with Governor Romney in the Statehouse. As a result of the team’s efforts Straumann located to 160,000 SF in Andover.

“With our North American business growing dynamically, Straumann needed to find a location to house its US headquarters…MassEcon provided a great service in helping us secure an excellent site.”

Frank Mengis, Senior Vice President, Operations, Straumann USA

Fabrico, Inc.: An Example of Coordination with the Utilities

Fabrico Inc., a manufacturer of precision metal components, settled on a parcel of land in Oxford to build a new facility and encountered easement problems. Previously, Fabrico and their consultant used MassEcon’s Research & Information service and Site Finder service, so they came to MassEcon for help resolving the problem. MassEcon put the consultant, company, and utility provider (MassEcon member, National Grid) together and found a solution. The end result: Fabrico was able to break ground on their new $4.5 million facility.

“When Fabrico was evaluating states and locations for our new manufacturing operations, MassEcon was a key player in helping my team to understand the Massachusetts advantage.”

Ann Gray, President, Fabrico