Stuff Made in Massachusetts

07/12/2021

Like many industries, the biopharmaceutical sector in Massachusetts is working to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion among its workforce, leadership, and supplier channels.

Doing so requires tackling diversity from multiple angles, including on-ramping the workforce, providing areas for advancement for people from diverse backgrounds, and implementing accountability measures at the company level. https://www.stuffmadein.com/biotechs-diversity-problems-require-more-resources-3608/

Like many industries, the biopharmaceutical sector in Massachusetts is working to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion among its workforce, leadership, and supplier channels. Doing so requires tackling diversity from multiple angles, including on-ramping the workforce, providing areas for advan...

23/11/2021

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has granted breakthrough device designation for an exo-suit helping people with neurological-injury-related ankle issues walk, according to ReWalk Robotics, Ltd. of Marlborough, which makes the technology. https://www.stuffmadein.com/rewalk-exo-suit-designated-as-breakthrough-device-by-fda-3603/

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has granted breakthrough device designation for an exo-suit helping people with neurological-injury-related ankle issues walk, according to ReWalk Robotics, Ltd. of Marlborough, which makes the technology. PHOTO | COURTESY OF REWALK ROBOTICS, LTD. ReWalk’s ReBoo...

09/11/2021

Traditionally castigated to out-of-sight coolers and the bottom of beer lists, craft brewers are stepping into the realm of non-alcoholic brews and experimenting with the wide variety of flavors and styles consumers are accustomed to seeing in their alcohol-containing counterparts. It’s a change standing to represent a potentially significant shift in how brewers, and the larger beer industry, conceive of both beer and beer consumers. https://www.stuffmadein.com/sober-brews-central-massachusetts-breweries-try-to-tap-into-non-alcoholic-beer-3599/

A new trend is brewing in the craft beer world, and it’s one without a buzz. Traditionally castigated to out-of-sight coolers and the bottom of beer lists, craft brewers are stepping into the realm of non-alcoholic brews and experimenting with the wide variety of flavors and styles consumers are a...

26/10/2021

Adult-use cannabis retailers in Massachusetts amassed more than $2 billion in lifetime sales by the end of August this year, signaling an eager, and likely growing, consumer base.

https://www.stuffmadein.com/who-buys-w**d-nearly-three-years-online-the-central-mass-cannabis-market-caters-to-a-variety-of-consumers-3594/

Adult-use cannabis retailers in Massachusetts amassed more than $2 billion in lifetime sales by the end of August this year, signaling an eager, and likely growing, consumer base. And despite persistent, bad-faith tropes, and often racist stereotypes that have long dominated mainstream cannabis cult...

12/10/2021

Cathryn A. Shaw-Reid, Ph.D. did not find her way to her position as vice president of global drug substance biologics operations at Bristol Myers Squibb by accident.

Hailing from Los Angeles, Shaw-Reid spent her time as an undergraduate studying chemical engineering at Columbia University in New York City, using internships to try out as many facets of the burgeoning field.

Time and time again, she found herself drawn to biology projects. Her father was a physician, and she spent her childhood listening to him talk about medicine and patients.

https://www.stuffmadein.com/shaw-reid-brings-balanced-leadership-to-biologics-3586/

Cathryn A. Shaw-Reid, Ph.D. did not find her way to her position as vice president of global drug substance biologics operations at Bristol Myers Squibb by accident. Hailing from Los Angeles, Shaw-Reid spent her time as an undergraduate studying chemical engineering at Columbia University in New Yor...

28/09/2021

Located adjacent to the Polar Park baseball stadium in Worcester, the planned Left Field Building is a $16-million symbol of the ambitious plans in the city for the life sciences as a catalyst for its ever-evolving development efforts. https://www.stuffmadein.com/mini-cluster-worcester-is-trying-to-carve-out-its-own-niche-in-biotech-3574/

Located adjacent to the Polar Park baseball stadium in Worcester, the planned Left Field Building is a $16-million symbol of the ambitious plans in the city for the life sciences as a catalyst for its ever-evolving development efforts. “That’s a massive investment, and it’s a massive thing to ...

14/09/2021

Major shifts are occurring in the LGBTQ+ community with an ever-increasing number of individuals openly identifying as le***an, gay, bisexual, and transgender, questioning, and q***r. While the community is growing, particularly among younger generations, the number of LGBTQ+ business owners who openly identify is disproportionately low in Massachusetts. https://www.stuffmadein.com/closeted-companies-businesses-who-identify-as-lgbtqowned-remain-disproportionately-low-3565/

Major shifts are occurring in the LGBTQ+ community with an ever-increasing number of individuals openly identifying as le***an, gay, bisexual, and transgender, questioning, and q***r. While the community is growing, particularly among younger generations, the number of LGBTQ+ business owners who ope...

31/08/2021

ReWalk Robotics Ltd., an Israeli manufacturer of robotic medical devices for individuals with lower limb disabilities, which has its U.S. headquarters in Marlborough, announced Jeannine Lynch’s appointment as the new vice president of strategy and market access. https://www.stuffmadein.com/rewalk-hires-biotech-executive-to-lead-strategy-3551/

ReWalk Robotics Ltd., an Israeli manufacturer of robotic medical devices for individuals with lower limb disabilities, which has its U.S. headquarters in Marlborough, announced Jeannine Lynch’s appointment as the new vice president of strategy and market access. Prior to ReWalk, Lynch served as se...

17/08/2021

You can ask almost anyone and they’ll tell you it’s true: The skilled trades has a workforce shortage.

A March report from Washington state group PeopleReady Skilled Trades found while available apprenticeships and jobs in sectors like plumbing, roofing, carpentry and construction were increasing, sometimes as much as 50% within a month, postings were unfilled for a month or more.

In Mass., this shortage is playing out in part in the state’s vocational-technical high schools, which are facing increased demand despite the reported shortages. https://www.stuffmadein.com/the-tussle-over-who-vocational-schools-are-for-3538/

You can ask almost anyone and they’ll tell you it’s true: The skilled trades has a workforce shortage. A March report from Washington state group PeopleReady Skilled Trades found while available apprenticeships and jobs in sectors like plumbing, roofing, carpentry and construction were increasin...

03/08/2021

Swissturn/USA, an Oxford-based Swiss screw machine manufacturer, has appointed Rick Laviolette as its new president.

Laviolette has 25 years of experience working in manufacturing with experience in both operations and business development, according to a press release. https://www.stuffmadein.com/as-long-time-leader-eases-into-less-intense-role-swissturn-usa-names-new-president-3528/

20/07/2021

Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers in Framingham was founded by the three Hendler brothers — Jack, Sam and Eric. Originally one of 50 or 60 craft breweries operating in the state when they first opened their brewery in 2011, the trio are gearing up to celebrate their 10-year anniversary, which takes place officially on July 22. https://www.stuffmadein.com/qa-as-anniversary-nears-jacks-abby-reflects-on-journey-from-brewery-startup-to-industry-leader-3513/

Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers in Framingham was founded by the three Hendler brothers — Jack, Sam and Eric. Originally one of 50 or 60 craft breweries operating in the state when they first opened their brewery in 2011, the trio are gearing up to celebrate their 10-year anniversary, which takes place...

05/07/2021

Tree House Brewing Co. in Charlton produced more barrels of beer in 2020 than any other brewer in Central Massachusetts, according to new data from the WBJ Research Department. In 2020, Tree House brewed 41,500 barrels of beer, according to data the company submitted to the national trade group Brewers Association. After Tree House, Jack’s Abby brewed 40,800 and Wachusett brewed 31,321, according to a survey both those breweries filled out for the WBJ Research Department.

https://www.stuffmadein.com/tree-house-becomes-largest-brewer-in-central-mass-3498/

Tree House Brewing Co. in Charlton produced more barrels of beer in 2020 than any other brewer in Central Massachusetts, according to new data from the WBJ Research Department. In doing so, Tree House pushed Wachusett Brewing Co. of Westminster out of its typical No. 1 spot, with Wachusett dropping....

21/06/2021

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute announced recently that they have developed a form of concrete that will fix its own cracks. Using an enzyme found in red blood cells, they posit the new product is four times more durable than traditional concrete, and published their work in the journal Applied Materials Today. https://www.stuffmadein.com/wpi-researcher-develops-self-healing-concrete-3481/

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute announced recently that they have developed a form of concrete that will fix its own cracks. Using an enzyme found in red blood cells, they posit the new product is four times more durable than traditional concrete, and published their work in the journ...

08/06/2021

Framingham-based Clinical Enterprise, Inc., doing business as empowerDX, announced recently that its at-home COVID-19 testing kit received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for children three years and older. https://www.stuffmadein.com/framingham-companys-at-home-covid-19-test-approved-for-children-3470/

Framingham-based Clinical Enterprise, Inc., doing business as empowerDX, announced recently that its at-home COVID-19 testing kit received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for children three years and older. The direct-to-consumer company, owned by Eurofins Scient...

25/05/2021

Framingham brewer Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers on Wednesday announced it will open a new, pop-up beer garden in Boston just in time for Memorial Day weekend.

The beer garden is set to open at Pazza on Porter at 107 Porter St. and operate all summer. It will offer a collection of signature appetizers and desserts in addition to a selection of the Framingham brewery’s beer.

https://www.stuffmadein.com/jacks-abby-opening-pop-up-beer-garden-in-boston-3457/

Framingham brewer Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers on Wednesday announced it will open a new, pop-up beer garden in Boston just in time for Memorial Day weekend. The beer garden is set to open at Pazza on Porter at 107 Porter St. and operate all summer. It will offer a collection of signature appetizers a...

11/05/2021

Mass. Bay Brewing Co. in Boston — the maker of Harpoon beers — and the Massachusetts Brewers Guild announced in April they were teaming up to launch a new website aimed at providing resources for furthering diversity, equity and inclusion work at Massachusetts breweries. https://www.stuffmadein.com/qa-harpoon-teams-with-brewers-guild-to-help-diversify-mass-beer-industry-3440/

Mass. Bay Brewing Co. in Boston — the maker of Harpoon beers — and the Massachusetts Brewers Guild announced in April they were teaming up to launch a new website aimed at providing resources for furthering diversity, equity and inclusion work at Massachusetts breweries. Dubbed HopForwardEqualit...

27/04/2021

In more ways than one, Redemption Rock Brewing Co., located on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, is not like other craft breweries.

For one, while minimalism remains in vogue among the aesthetically minded, Redemption Rock is colorful, known for its bright, multi-colored murals on-site, as well as its rotating growler labels designed by local artists.

And for two, it’s also a certified benefit corporation – the first craft brewer in the region to achieve the certification. https://www.stuffmadein.com/redemption-rock-repurposes-the-tipping-model-3428/

In more ways than one, Redemption Rock Brewing Co., located on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, is not like other craft breweries. For one, while minimalism remains in vogue among the aesthetically minded, Redemption Rock is colorful, known for its bright, multi-colored murals on-site, as well as its...

11/04/2021

Busek Co. of Natick, a maker of in-space propulsion, sensors and power systems, has announced its BHT-6000 Hall effect thrusters will be used as part of NASA’s upcoming return to the Moon. The company announced one of its thrusters will be used on NASA’s Gateway in lunar orbit after passing a hot fire test campaign. https://www.stuffmadein.com/natick-firms-technology-to-be-used-in-nasas-return-to-the-moon-3405/

13/03/2021

Wormtown Brewery in Worcester will celebrate the opening of its new Shrewsbury Street taproom on Saint Patrick’s Day, marking both the expansion and the company’s 11th birthday. https://www.stuffmadein.com/wormtowns-new-taproom-to-open-on-saint-patricks-day-3388/

20/02/2021

Kaitlin Beach began working for Olympus Surgical Technologies America in Southborough, right out of college through a co-op position in research and development.

This role grew her interest in the physical creation of the parts, fixtures, and products her team was designing, Beach said.

“I definitely think the products are the coolest part of my job,” said Beach.

The U.S. division of Olympus specializes in single-use surgical devices.

https://www.stuffmadein.com/around-the-world-3267/

Kaitlin Beach began working for Olympus Surgical Technologies America in Southborough, right out of college through a co-op position in research and development. This role grew her interest in the physical creation of the parts, fixtures, and products her team was designing, Beach said. “I definit...

09/02/2021

Jenna Woodward was not quite sure exactly she wanted to do while getting her dual degree in food science and hospitality from UMass Amherst. Bumping back and forth from liking and disliking each of her majors, she realized her love of food science in her senior year.

Woodward graduated and found her way to Table Talk Pies in Worcester as a quality assurance technician. She has since been promoted to QA supervisor.

With a mix between floor and office work, her job is about ensuring everything is operating at audit standards. https://www.stuffmadein.com/pies-and-problem-solving-3265/

Jenna Woodward was not quite sure exactly she wanted to do while getting her dual degree in food science and hospitality from UMass Amherst. Bumping back and forth from liking and disliking each of her majors, she realized her love of food science in her senior year. Woodward graduated and found her...

18/01/2021

Austin Gilman shows up for work at CIRCOR’s plant in Warren, MA and cannot wait to get in and do what he does.

“I truly love it,” said Gilman.

While still relatively new to the industry, Gilman and other Zoomers and young Millennials like him are part of an increasing wave of workers finding careers in the manufacturing and construction industries. https://www.stuffmadein.com/peeking-in-on-the-industrys-youth-3254/

03/01/2021

The Blackstone Valley Education Foundation (BVEF) launched its new virtual programming initiative in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This program, which was announced during Massachusetts STEM Week (Oct. 19 to 23), focuses on making events accessible to a larger number of students, teachers, and administrators in BVEF’s full and affiliate member school districts. https://www.stuffmadein.com/blackstone-valley-made-manufacturing-education-virtual-3349/

WHITINSVILLE, MA – The Blackstone Valley Education Foundation (BVEF) launched its new virtual programming initiative in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This program, which was announced during Massachusetts STEM Week (Oct. 19 to 23), focuses on making events accessible t...

19/12/2020

Worcester and Central Massachusetts have long been known for their exports, ranging from textile looms in the early-to-mid 1900s to medical devices and components for airplanes, rockets and spaceflight.

The Blackstone Canal, built in the 1820s, first made Worcester a hub of commerce when it allowed goods to be shipped to the city and down to Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island, said Timothy Murray, president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Along with the Blackstone River, other waterways helped provide hydro power to dozens of factories and mills. https://www.stuffmadein.com/made-built-in-central-mass-3251/

The Bay State has a long history as a manufacturing & construction center, including products impacting your everyday life Worcester and Central Massachusetts have long been known for their exports, ranging from textile looms in the early-to-mid 1900s to medical devices and components for airplanes,...

07/12/2020

Kaitlin Beach began working for Olympus Surgical Technologies America in Southborough, right out of college through a co-op position in research and development.

This role grew her interest in the physical creation of the parts, fixtures, and products her team was designing, Beach said.

“I definitely think the products are the coolest part of my job,” said Beach. https://www.stuffmadein.com/around-the-world-3267/

Kaitlin Beach began working for Olympus Surgical Technologies America in Southborough, right out of college through a co-op position in research and development. This role grew her interest in the physical creation of the parts, fixtures, and products her team was designing, Beach said. “I definit...