Officials from Factory Mutual Engineering and Research Corp. broke ground yesterday for a major $7 million conference and training center at their Route 1 complex.
Situated on a scenic, wooded 30-acre tract north of the existing complex near the Neponset River, the self-contained facility will feature a five-story private hotel with accommodations for 125 insurance agents attending training sessions, alongside 24 conference rooms and modern dining facilities.
The project is projected to create 50 to 100 initial staff jobs, adding to Factory Mutual’s existing Norwood workforce of approximately 1,400 employees.
Massachusetts Governor Edward J. King joined Factory Mutual Engineering President John A. Love and George R. West, chairman of the Factory Mutual Systems executive committee, to turn the first shovels of earth in a ceremony attended by company executives, spouses, and local Norwood town officials. Praising state cooperation, President Love noted that assistance from the governor’s office in navigating state bureaucracy shaved six to eight months off the project’s timeline. Governor King hailed the new facility as an encouraging indicator for the state’s economic vitality, though he cautioned that regional challenges—such as energy cost hikes and cutbacks at the General Dynamics Shipyard in Quincy—still required attention. (Photography by Larry Welsh).
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More…
-
Workers Begin PCB Cleanup At Contaminated Norwood Field-June 24, 1983
As Senator Edward M. Kennedy and CDC Director William H. Foege slate a joint emergency inspection, local authorities organize free public blood testing at Town Hall.
-
Norwood Senior Citizens Log Impressive Mileage in Walking Fitness Program-August 14, 1982
Sixteen Norwood seniors were honored by Recreation Director Robert Ivatts and William F. Butters for logging high mileage in a new walking fitness program.
-
John Shalbey Leads Community Drive to Clean South Norwood Railroad Bridges-July 29, 1981
John Shalbey, president of Rojo car wash on Route 1, organized a community-backed cleanup drive for the Subway Hill and Dean Street railroad bridges in South Norwood.
-
Norwood Registry Office Closure-July 28, 1981
The impending closure of the Norwood Registry of Motor Vehicles sparked swift backlash from local lawmakers, while town boards debated industrial park funding and hotel expansions.
-
Talk of the Town-July 20, 1981
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email… Subscribe
-
Students Take Reins For Town Government Day-June 9, 1981
School Committee Pledges Paint And Textbook Inventory To Student Delegates The utilitarian gray paint covering the walls of the Norwood High School cafeteria may soon be replaced with student-designed artwork following a successful session of the annual town student government day . High school students who were elected by their sophomore and junior peers to…
-
The Issue Of Video Licenses-June 9, 1981
In June 1981, Norwood officials crack down on incoming electronic amusement requests, fearing a “video fever” arcade atmosphere downtown.
-
Zoning Board Stalls Decision on Proposed $3 Million Caldor Shopping Center-August 20, 1980
The zoning board delayed its decision on a proposed $3 million Caldor shopping center on Route 1 after discovering developers omitted a crucial traffic permit for Carnegie Road amid fierce local opposition.
-
Selectmen Split Over Amusement Game Permits at Sport Center and Local Restaurants-August 6, 1980
In a close 3–2 vote, Norwood selectmen approved 10 electronic game machines at Norwood Sport Center after concerns about creating a “penny arcade” atmosphere. A similar request from Papa Gino’s for a single Space Invader machine was denied, with officials distinguishing between recreation‑based and dining‑based establishments.
-
Nassau Gardens Residents Form Nonprofit Housing Cooperative and Purchase Complex-August 17, 1979
Nassau Gardens tenants launched a subscription drive to purchase their 204-unit Route 1 apartment complex through a nonprofit housing cooperative backed by a $4 million HUD agreement.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.