MetroWest495 Biz

MetroWest495 Biz February 2014

Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/474781

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 5 of 23

6 MetroWest495 Biz | February 2014 jobs in local communities, and provide a broad range of services to our valued customers." Terms of the deal were not disclosed. In the statement, ResTech CEO George Danis said the Connecticut injection molding company was the "perfect complement" to his firm. In April, ResTech acquired TechAtlantic, of Berlin, Conn. Danis said his company will combine it with the Glastonbury operation to form North East Mold & Plastics Division of ResTech Plastic Molding. TOY FIRM COMES TO WESTBOROUGH French toy company Canal Toys has launched its U.S. headquarters in Westborough, the company said. Its offices, at 1700 West Park Dr., represent the company's efforts to expand its success in Europe and Asia into the Americas, the company said. The arts and crafts toy company, launched in 1996, said it operates in 40 countries through subsidiaries and offices around the world, including Paris, the United Kingdom and China. Canal said it's one of the world's top manufacturers and distributors of pro- prietary and licensed products. Shrewsbury resident Bill Uzell has been named president and CEO for the North and South American operations. SWEDISH FIRM TO ACQUIRE ACTON-BASED AZUKI Swedish firm Ericsson has agreed to acquire Acton-based Azuki Systems Inc., a video software maker, according to a statement. The acquisition will extend Ericsson's television and media portfolio, which includes the recent addition of Microsoft's Mediaroom. The global communications technology company said the deal will accelerate the availability of "new and compelling viewing experiences across a variety of devices and screens." Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Founded in 2008, Azuki employs 49. The company has raised $28.1 million in venture funding, according to crunchbase.com. ACTON SITE PART OF $63M CLEANUP PAYOUT Maryland-based W.R. Grace & Co. paid more than $63 million to resolve claims for environmental cleanups at 39 sites across the country, including its former Acton plant, where the company manufac- tured chemicals from 1954 to 1982. The federal Envi- ronmental Protection Agency (EPA) deemed two Acton water-supply wells had been contaminated in 1978 by the site, and so it was placed under the EPA's Superfund Program. W.R. Grace, a global supplier of specialty chemicals, filed for bankruptcy protec- tion in April 2001, and as part of those proceedings was required to resolve environmental liability claims brought against the company by the EPA, the agency said. W.R. Grace payments will go toward cleanup costs at sites in 21 states, including the former Acton plant, which the EPA has already treated for ground- water contamination. The site extends into Concord. SOUTHBOROUGH FIRM TEAMS UP WITH CHINESE COMPANY British electronic and hybrid vehicle parts maker Sevcon Inc., which has operations in Southborough, announced a joint venture with Chinese automotive supplier Risenbo Technology Co. to market and sell Sevcon products to automotive suppliers in China. The agreement has received the required approval from the Chinese government, according to a state- ment from Sevcon. Each company will own half of the joint venture, which will be led by a Sevcon executive. The agreement is expected to become effective in the first quarter, Sevcon said. President and CEO Matt Boyle said the agreement is a "unique strategic oppor- tunity" for his company to gain greater access to the Chinese market, which he said is the world's largest for hybrid and electric vehicles . MARLBOROUGH ADVISED TO RELAX RULES, GET HOTEL A study recommends that Marlborough relax zon- ing and parking regulations downtown, improve pe- destrian and bike connections in the area and attract additional amenities, such as a hotel. The 19-page report compiled by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) of Boston said requiring 10 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of development is onerous and un- necessary, since municipal parking structures are just half full on a typical day. Rather, ULI recommends just 2.5 parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet while beefing up enforcement of on-street parking time limits to increase turnover of spaces. The ULI Roundup s page 5 With solid legal advice and nearly a century of experience, Bowditch & Dewey takes pride in providing our clients with big city ideas they require and small town relationships they desire. With offices spanning the Massachusetts business corridor, from Boston to Central Massachusetts, we do business where you do business. community. great lawyers know the law, Good lawyers know the

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of MetroWest495 Biz - MetroWest495 Biz February 2014