Leominster struggles to find balance between commercial, industrial

John Gravelle, president and CEO of Leominster-based plastics manufacturer Mar-Lee Cos., says his firm grew 20 percent last year, and he expects it to do the same this year.

Soon, he said, Mar-Lee will need to expand beyond its existing facilities. But even though the company is "totally committed to this region," he said it won't be looking for new space in Leominster.

Space Crunch

The problem, Gravelle says, is that the city has made it too easy for stores and other commercial businesses to set up shop, leaving too little appropriate space for industrial uses.

"My point of view is that industrial jobs are far more valuable than retail or commercial jobs," he said. "People in manufacturing are making a lot more money than they are in the service industries.

Natick Collection plans hotel to lure tourists focused on spending

Over the last 30 to 40 years, Natick and Framingham have been adjoining retail magnets for Massachusetts shoppers, but the Natick Collection hopes to become a tourist destination for those who travel just to shop.

Some people go swimming on their vacation, while others prefer shopping until they drop, and General Growth Properties Inc., the company behind the Natick Collection, wants to accommodate those die-hard shopper tourists with a luxury hotel.

Stay And Shop

The Natick Collection includes the revamped Natick Mall and an addition of more than 70 high-end retailers, including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Juicy Couture. It is also home to several good restaurants like the Sel de la Terre and The Met Bar & Grill, with more to come.