Oxford

IPG Photonics reported a second-quarter revenue leap of 22 percent, as well as a 25 percent rise in earnings per share, thanks in part to increased sales of its high-power fiber lasers, the Oxford-based manufacturer announced Tuesday.

Twenty-seven Central Massachusetts companies are among nearly 200 companies in the Bay State that have been awarded state-funded workforce training grants.

IPG Photonics of Oxford started off the year with strong revenue growth and increases in net income thanks to strong demand for their high power fiber lasers, the company reported Tuesday.

Eleven nursing homes in Central Massachusetts received the top rating in U.S. News & World Report's annual list of best nursing homes.

As it had forecast earlier this month, IPG Photonics of Oxford turned in a better-than-expected financial performance in the fourth quarter of 2014, reporting revenue of $207.4 million and net income of $56.4 million, both up substantially over the fourth quarter of 2013.

When her predecessor retired last year, Karen Chapman had already been well established at the Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce, having been its vice president for 12 years. At the time of her promotion, the chamber's chairman said Chapman has “a keen understanding of Corridor Nine's past, as well as proven experience in bringing innovative and visionary ideas for the future.”

IPG Photonics of Oxford expects fourth-quarter 2014 revenue and earnings per share to finish ahead of its expectations, the fiber-laser manufacturer said today.

The private company that provides water to Millbury and Oxford is passing along savings from a revised tax classification to nearly 19,000 households, including customers in those two Central Massachusetts towns.

Fabrico Inc. of Oxford, which provides components for land-based gas turbines, semiconductors, steam turbines and the aviation market, is being sold to a North Carolina company.

IPG Photonics of Oxford turned in another stellar quarter as strong sales growth in Europe and China helped push revenue up 16 percent and net income 30 percent for the manufacturer of fiber lasers.