NH’s ‘Optics Valley’
Precision optics is likely one of the biggest manufacturing sectors in New Hampshire that most Granite Staters have never heard of.
Wire Belt Company eyes two communities as site for new headquarters
New facility seen in Bedford, but existing facility may work in Manchester
Wire Belt Company of America, based in Londonderry since 1890, is looking for a new home in New Hampshire.
The company is reportedly looking at sites in Bedford and Manchester, but the company’s proposal for a location at 308 S. River Road in Bedford took center stage this week. The 100,000-square-foot facility, with the potential for a 25,000-square-foot addition, would be built on a 27-acre parcel across from Moores Crossing Rd.
The project was reviewed and approved by the planning board, the newspaper reported. But it wasn’t as simple as that.
After the Bedford OK, Dave Greer, CEO of Wire Belt, told the newspaper, the company became aware of another, nearby site – with an existing facility – “that may suit our needs.” He then said the firm would look at the Manchester facility before making a decision on whether to build new in Bedford.
“We intend to continue with the permitting of the Bedford site on a parallel track, beginning with the due diligence on the other property,” Greer said. :In any case, we are excited to announce that a local company is growing and expanding given the trials and tribulations of the past year.
