COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS SENATE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133

Senator Joan B. Lovely
State Senator
2nd Essex District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

October 27, 2017

Manufacturing Caucus Hosts Second Annual Manufacturing Award Ceremony

(Boston) – Falmer Thermal Spray received a Manufacturer of the Year award at a State House ceremony on Tuesday. The company was nominated by State Senator Joan Lovely.

Since 1961, Falmer Thermal Spray in Salem has been an industry pioneer at applying thermal spray solutions that make machine components last longer, run more reliably and cost less to fabricate. Family-owned and woman-run by President Stacey Ames, Falmer Thermal Spray has been providing protection and performance-enhancing coatings for more than 50 years with a complete line of thermal spray coatings including ceramic spray coatings, commercial coatings and heater coatings, some of the best industry expertise and a complete array of finishing services. Falmer Thermal Spray offers effective solutions to manufacturing as well as R&D issues.

The Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus hosted its Second annual Manufacturing award ceremony to recognize 53 manufacturers that are truly making it in Massachusetts. The ceremony honored the manufacturers and showcased their innovative and revolutionary manufacturing capabilities and products. The event included companies who make electronic storage systems, spheres, badges, network devices, bicycles, textiles, and even beer.

Lieutenant Governor Karyn E. Polito, Secretary of Housing & Economic Development  Jay Ash, Senate President Stanley C. Rosenberg, and House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo offered remarks at the ceremony.

Formed in August 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus includes more than 60 legislators from around the Commonwealth. Lawmakers focus on training for manufacturing employees; encouraging innovation by helping start-ups access resources; and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in key manufacturing sectors.

“The manufacturing sector in Massachusetts has gone through significant changes throughout our history but has always been able to adapt to the changing nature of our economy. The Senate has always shown our support through workforce development, investments in innovation, and job creation.  The fifty-three award winners today are true leaders in our economy,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst).

“I am pleased that the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus recognized the importance of manufacturers’ across the Commonwealth through its Manufacturing Award Ceremony,” stated Senator Lovely. “Congratulations to Falmer Thermal Spray in Salem for receiving this honor and thank you for your contributions. I’m proud of the work of the Senate to invest in this sector and our commitment to support job training, workforce development and job creation.”

“Manufacturers in Massachusetts create high-quality, high-value goods, and are at the forefront of adopting new technology and innovative production techniques,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “Our administration is eager to continue working with employers, educational institutions and workforce development organizations to create a highly-skilled workforce, and partner with our colleagues in the legislature to support this critical industry.”

“The Manufacturing Caucus continues to highlight the great work of our manufacturers across the Commonwealth and the policies and investments that will help them succeed. Western Massachusetts in particular is home to many leading high-tech manufacturers. Manufacturing increasingly provides higher wages, creating security for workers and improving our regional economy,” said Senator Eric P. Lesser (D-Longmeadow), Senate Chair of the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus.

The Manufacturing Caucus aims to increase Massachusetts’ competitiveness in manufacturing by providing legislative support. Collaboration between manufacturers, community colleges, technical high schools and regional workforce boards is a way we can continue to develop talent and increase production.

Massachusetts is home to world-class makers of everything from machinery to biopharmaceuticals to jet engines. Manufacturing output here is at its highest level in history and accounts for more than 11 percent of the state’s economy. It is the sixth largest employment sector here. According to the recently launched Manufacturing in Massachusetts website (https://www.mamanufacturing.com/), 10.1% of the Commonwealth’s total economic output is tied to manufacturing and $26 billion in manufactured goods were exported from the Commonwealth in 2016 alone. Roughly 250,000 employees work in the manufacturing sector in Massachusetts, comprising 7.8% of the total workforce in the state.

For further information, the “MAKE IT” in Massachusetts website (www.Mamanufacturing.com) is the direct connection to all of the resources available on manufacturing in the Commonwealth.

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