Saint-Gobain transfers half of Worcester campus for redevelopment

Spectrum News Staff, Spectrum News 1

WORCESTER, Mass. - Saint-Gobain, the manufacturing company once known as Norton Company, transferred almost half of its Worcester campus to the Worcester Business Development Corporation.

The company has operated in Worcester for nearly 140 years. They currently employ more than 1,000 people in the city.

Saint-Gobain announced Thursday it's conveyance of 51 acres of what they call 'underutilized property' to the WBDC. This includes 45 buildings which they say will be redeveloped and transformed for productive commercial uses. 

Worcester city councilor Sean Rose, whose district includes the Saint-Gobain campus, said the redevelopment will benefit the neighborhood.

"We're running out of land, let's be honest," Rose said. "This affords people an opportunity, and opportunity that might not come along for a while. It's not often that 51 acres of land come online in the city for redevelopment. You're talking about roadways being opened up that haven't been opened up in a period of time, a decrease in traffic. You're talking about more jobs, you're talking about more opportunity. Overall, it's just huge."

The partnership is part of the W.B.D.C.'s effort to redevelop Worcester's Greendale neighborhood. Las month, Saint-Gobain opened their new $22 million powerhouse in October, which will save energy and dramatically reduce emissions at their facilities.