Central Mass. South

Arts & Entertainment

SJC Drums quadruples space with new Southbridge facility

The 60,000-square-foot facility custom drum manufacturer SJC Drums just moved into is booming with potential.

Manufacturing

IPG Photonics’ $215M expansion plans reduced 68%

The planned expansion of IPG Photonics' Oxford headquarters was reduced before voters approved a 15-year tax agreement at a town meeting Wednesday.

Manufacturing

Board to take up Franklin pot grower application, but no testing facilities

The Cannabis Control Commission on Thursday is expected to take up license applications from a Franklin-based grower, but no licenses for a testing facility will be heard.

Manufacturing

Oxford voters to decide fate of TIF for IPG Photonics’ $215M expansion

Oxford-based IPG Photonics is seeking a 15-year tax agreement with town voters Wednesday to help facilitate the firm's $215-million expansion.

Economy

Manufacturers look to avoid layoffs as Trump’s tariffs eat into their bottom line

The impacts of tariffs have been swift and immediate for Central Massachusetts manufacturers, who are seeing raw material costs spike while they remain locked in deals for goods.

Education

The development of affordable housing in the region has spiked

Across Central Massachusetts, the rate of new subsidized housing units has sped up as the housing market has remained tight, outpacing the state average.

Health Care

Local mental health organizations struggle with spiking suicide rates

As mental health providers in Central Massachusetts have expanded services to meet a growing need, they bump up against a capacity strained by funding and staffing limits.

Banking & Finance

Movers & Shakers

Movers and shakers in Central Massachusetts from July 9 to July 23.

Hospitality

Tree House Brewing’s expansion gets town approval

Tree House Brewing Co. has only been operating in Charlton for about a year, but it is gearing up for another expansion after the town approved plans for a 16,000-square-foot addition.

News