Find the event photos here.

Find our LinkedIn here.

Find MassMEP's 2025 Manufacturing Landscape Report here.

Learn more about Middlesex 3 Coalition's Tech Hub Designation here.

Learn more about the recently renovated advanced manufacturing facility at 10 Lyberty Way in Westford, MA.

Thank you to our opening speakers:

• Kristen Las, Town Manager of Westford, MA

• Jason Palitsch, Executive Director of 495/MetroWest Partnership

Thank you to our panel moderator:

• Kathie Mahoney, President of the MassMEP (Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership)

Thank you to our panelists:

• Charles Garris, VP of Engineering, R&D, and Operations at AM Batteries

• Lily Fitzgerald, Director of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing at MassTech Collaborative

• Jared Broberg, Head of GMP Clinical Manufacturing in Advanced Therapies at Sartorius

• Michael Dalton, Principal at Avison Young

Key Takeaways:

• Manufacturing Challenges & Trends: MassMEP highlighted that manufacturers were navigating three primary challenges—entering new markets, adopting new technologies, and recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce—while also facing significant upfront capital costs tied to modernization, automation, and AI.

• Scaling Innovation in Massachusetts: Speakers noted that many startups emerging from Massachusetts universities felt pressure to leave the state when scaling manufacturing. Organizations like MassTech worked to help companies remain close to their R&D, though workforce availability and retention continued to be key barriers.

• Infrastructure, Energy, & Workforce Pressures: Increased regulatory requirements and rising demand placed strain on energy infrastructure, while real-world projects such as Sartorius’ biospace development highlighted ongoing challenges related to power availability, evolving skill sets, and regional housing shortages.

• Regional Growth & Outlook: The discussion emphasized a shift toward electric-based manufacturing, the emergence of power-driven hubs like Holyoke, and the need for stronger regional communication and collaboration, with optimism around the Tech Hub initiative and continued growth across Massachusetts in the years ahead.

Thank you to our resource exhibitors: Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), FORGE, NAMC (Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium), AMTEP (Advanced Manufacturing Training Expansion Program), Nashoba Valley Technical High School (Westford), MassDevelopment, MassMEP (Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership), Maugel DeStefano Architects, Middlesex Community College, Northeastern University, SCS Construction Management, UMass Lowell, U.S Small Business Administration, and Valley Collaborative.

Thank you to the 495/MetroWest Partnership for partnering with us for this event. Check out their Westford community profile here.

Thank you to Avison Young, BTU, Maugel DeStefano Architects, and SCS Construction Management for hosting & sponsoring this meeting!