Worcester Business Journal

12 Worcester Business Journal | April 6, 2026 | wbjournal.com FOCUS M A N U F A C T U R I N G BY MICA KANNER-MASCOLO WBJ Staff Writer A quiet, suburban Central Massachusetts town has played the long game to gain an unlikely claim to fame: home of the world's longest tofu production line. Tofu manufacturer Nasoya moved to Ayer in 1990, laying down roots for a company that today produces more than 70% of all tofu sold at retailers across the U.S. In 1990, Nasoya was producing 60,000 pounds of tofu a week, a mere fraction of the 400,000 pounds per day the manufacturer will soon turn out, following a $55-million expansion in March. Nasoya added 200 feet to its tofu production line, making it the world's longest at 320 feet. As Nasoya expands with up to 70 new hires, the manufacturer and the Town of Ayer are looking to leverage their symbiotic relationship, investing in workforce development and infrastruc- ture to sustain each other's long-term goals. "You want to be invested in the community to entice people who live close to work close," said Ed Swartz, senior account manager at Nasoya. Local recruitment Nasoya's expansion added approxi- mately 65,000 square feet to the facility, bringing its total footprint to nearly 200,000. at extra space gives workers more wiggle room as they ship to more than 50 U.S. retailers per week, includ- ing Stop & Shop, Walmart, Kroger, and Publix Super Markets. "One of the things facing all business- es like this is the challenge of getting qualified or trained or good workers," said Robert Pontbriand, Ayer town manager. In mid-March, Nasoya hired 30 new operators to its team of 170 work- ers, who will over- see every step of production from grinding soybeans to packaging the final product. With more hiring to come in April, the firm is looking to recruit for a range of positions, such as maintenance workers, warehousing operators, and forkli drivers, said Justin Lee, Nasoya's senior operations manager. "Ayer is a small town, a very small town compared to Leominster and Lowell," said Lee. Nasoya has partnered with the Town of Ayer to connect with students at local high schools and community colleges. At least 10% of the company's workforce has been recruited through introduc- tions facilitated by the municipality. Nasoya is now in talks with Ayer's Department of Community & Eco- nomic Development regarding further workforce development and training opportunities and potential partner- ships with the Ayer Shirley Regional PHOTOS | COURTESY OF NASOYA 320 feet of tofu Justin Lee, Nasoya's senior operations manager, stands next to equipment on the manufacturer's production line, which can produce up to 9,000 packages of tofu per hour. Nasoya's record-breaking expansion was fueled by its 36-year relationship with the Town of Ayer Robert Pontbriand, Ayer town manager Ed Swartz, Nasoya senior account manager

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