Worcester center for manufacturers to open in July
Steven Rothschild, CEO of Access Fixtures and developer of the Armory Business Center and Ivy Corset Building
Steven Rothschild, CEO of Worcester lighting manufacturer Access Fixtures and a property developer, is set to open a manufacturing business incubator, the Armory Business Center, in July. The 20,000-square-foot building in the South Worcester Industrial Park will soon be home to up to eight businesses.
When will the Armory Business Center open?
It should be opening it July. It’s been a three-year project from inception to completion.
Have any businesses signed on?
We haven’t taken any deposits yet because I want to be certain on the opening date, but there is serious interest in 50% of the building. It wouldn’t surprise me if we’re at 80-to-100% capacity when we open.
How big are the spaces?
There are six 2,300-square-foot units and two 4,600-square-foot units.
What kind of businesses are you looking for?
They’re usually involved around research & development or some type of very clean manufacturing. One company is some kind of pharmaceutical R&D. Another is a trade company that became a manufacturer as opposed to installation. Another has been in older buildings without the clean standards they need. Those three capture the essence of our potential tenants.
Why is it important to provide this manufacturing space?
Most manufacturers in Massachusetts are small companies, but they don’t want to get relegated to old mill buildings and in fact, they frequently can’t be. When I go to rent out a space in a mill building I own, the first question I get is, “How high are the ceilings?” Sooner or later, they ask a question I can’t say yes to and they’re gone.
These tenants are looking for high ceilings and cement floors able to withstand heavy equipment and forklifts.
Manufacturers are asking for a nice-looking entrance. When somebody comes to visit, they want to look professional and be able to display everything they want nicely or at least have an area to sit and talk.
Our space comes with a full kitchenette so they can entertain guests.
Are we running out of these existing spaces in Central Mass.?
The problem for manufacturers is they need a space geared to them. Most don’t want to build because you have to wait three years to get it off the ground. What if you double in size and need to move in four years?
They all have specific needs. It’s almost impossible to retrofit these old mill buildings to repurpose them. It’s terribly inefficient.
This interview was conducted and edited for length and clarity by WBJ Staff Writer Zachary Comeau.
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