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Massachusetts Leaders Mark Opening of New Goodrich Facility in Westford

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Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, Housing & Economic Development Secretary Greg Bialecki and state and local officials today joined Goodrich executives and employees to mark the opening of the defense manufacturer's new facility in Westford, Massachusetts. A global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defense and homeland security markets, the Fortune 500 company recently moved their specialist airborne systems facilities from Chelmsford, Massachusetts and Barrington, Illinois to Westford in order to facilitate the company’s job creation plans in the Commonwealth.

In June 2010, the Patrick-Murray Administration approved a $4 million Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP) award to support Goodrich’s growth in Massachusetts. In return, the company has committed to retaining 350 manufacturing jobs in Massachusetts, adding 200 jobs over the next three years and investing $76 million in private funds to renovate the Westford facility.

“Governor Patrick and I are excited to have Goodrich, a global leader in defense manufacturing, invested in staying and growing their business here in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Murray. “With our highly-skilled workforce and talent pipeline, world renowned education and research centers, and competitive business climate, the advantages of doing business in Westford and communities across the Commonwealth are clear. Today’s grand opening at Goodrich is a great example of a company putting people to work now and in the years to come, and we look forward to their continued growth.”

“I want to welcome Goodrich to Westford, a move that will keep hundreds of manufacturing and high-tech jobs in Massachusetts while creating the space for this company to add hundreds more," said Congresswoman Tsongas. "Goodrich develops the products and technology that keep our troops safe and nation protected, and I want to thank the Patrick-Murray Administration for investing in Goodrich and Goodrich for continuing to invest in the Fifth District.”

“We are proud to welcome Lieutenant Governor Murray, Congresswoman Tsongas and Secretary Bialecki here today to open this new operation and learn more about our plans for this facility. Over the next three years, we expect to recruit an additional 200 specialist skilled personnel from across the state to work at this important new site, which will specialize in the development and manufacture of critical state of the art sensors for our growing intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) business,” said Tom Bergeron, President of Goodrich's ISR Systems Business.

“The Economic Development Incentive Program is just one of the ways we are encouraging businesses to expand in Massachusetts,” said Secretary of Housing & Economic Development Bialecki. “Combined with our record investments in innovation, education and infrastructure, this program is retaining and creating jobs and attracting private investment to every corner of the Commonwealth. We are pleased that Goodrich is committed to developing and producing their innovative products here in Westford.” Since 2010, EDIP, the Commonwealth’s tax incentive program for businesses, has approved 58 projects that will create a total of 3,905 jobs, retain 13,046 and attract $2.5 billion in private investment.

“The investment Goodrich has decided to make in Westford is one that will benefit not only the company, but the town, as well as the entire Commonwealth," said Senator Eileen Donoghue. "I am delighted that they have chosen to expand here and add much needed jobs.”

“Taking action to keep a business in Massachusetts and to expand its facility in Westford is a credit to all of us who have worked on this endeavor. The relocation of Goodrich’s specialist airborne systems facility to our area is part of our effort to bring about economic renewal and create jobs in the Commonwealth," said Representative James Arciero of Westford. "Instead of losing jobs and businesses to other states, Massachusetts, spearheaded by the leadership of Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray, has made our state a more business-friendly environment. Supported by those of us serving in the Legislature, as well as members of our federal delegation, this united effort will result in hundreds of new high salary technology jobs in the area. ”

Lieutenant Governor Murray and state and local officials joined company executives for a tour of the state-of-the-art facility before addressing company employees. The Lieutenant Governor, chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans’ Services, also presented a $50,000 check from the Goodrich Foundation to Linda Perry from the Wounded Warriors Project, a consistent recipient of the company’s support. These funds will allow the charity to provide programs and services for injured Massachusetts military personnel and their families.

“These donated monies will help wounded warriors in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with immediate needs for gas and groceries, provide them help to seek and attain gainful employment, offer healing for those suffering from PTSD, help them to reclaim their confidence and strength through adaptive sports and recreation, comfort family members with periods of respite and will fund local events that provide wounded warriors opportunities to get together and break the cycle of isolation and self-withdrawal,” said Linda Perry, area outreach coordinator for Wounded Warriors.