The Precision Products Division of the Northrop Corp. in Norwood has secured a significant $1.9 million federal military contract that is expected to generate up to 100 new jobs.
Announced by company spokesman Frank Daly of Duxbury, the contract tasks the Norwood facility with designing and building 20 advanced guidance systems for military aircraft.
The win marks a historic milestone for the local plant. According to Daly, this contract provides the division with its first opportunity to design and manufacture an entire guidance system from scratch rather than merely building individual components. “It’s indicative of a new direction for us,” Daly noted.
Advanced Technology and Multi-Service Applications
Unlike traditional gyroscope-based equipment, the newly designed guidance system relies on advanced computing technology to determine aircraft height and location. The systems are slated for deployment across multiple branches of the United States Armed Forces—including the Navy, Army, and Air Force—for use in diverse aircraft such as the F-14 fighter jet, experimental vertical takeoff aircraft, and various military helicopters. Additionally, the Norwood facility is pioneering the development of next-generation laser gyroscopes that utilize light beams instead of traditional spinning mechanical wheels.
Rapid Workforce Expansion and Facility Growth
The new defense contract accelerates an already booming period of local hiring. Having added 200 workers since April, total employment across Northrop’s six Norwood buildings has climbed to 1,700 personnel. With hiring slated to begin immediately for engineers followed by production staff, Daly projected that overall plant employment would comfortably surpass 2,000 workers by 1987, when full-scale production on the contract is scheduled to commence.
To accommodate this aggressive growth, Northrop added a seventh local facility in July by leasing 79,000 square feet of space—with an option for an additional 100,000 square feet—at Brookside Park on Route 1 near the Walpole town line. Prior to this expansion, the division operated four facilities off Morse Street and a gyroscope plant on Washington Street situated in the former Norwood Press bindery.
The local expansion mirrors broader corporate success. In 1984, parent company Northrop Corp. recorded net earnings of $167 million on total sales of $3.69 billion, driven by record sales of $1.3 billion in guidance, navigation, and military electronic systems. Daly attributed this soaring demand to the military’s growing emphasis on retrofitting existing aircraft and vehicles with advanced navigational technology.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More Norwood Business History
-
Business Leaders Question “Anti-Commerce” Town Direction-August 15, 1989
Following a 2-2 selectmen vote denying a food license for a $1 million Taco Bell on Route 1, the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce warned of an anti-business trend.
-
“Amazing Things Inc.” Markets High-Tech Gadgets and Modems-August 1986
Norwood-based Amazing Things Inc., a distributor for Leading Edge World Trade, launches its operations by marketing competitively priced computer modems and consumer electronics.
-
Group Petitions for New Independent Bank in Norwood-July 11, 1986
Story 1: Proposal for Mid-County Banking Trust On July 11, 1986, local investors announced a formal bid to establish a new financial institution, the Mid-County Banking Trust, which would serve as the town’s only independent commercial bank. A group of 20 businessmen has already secured a building at 157 Central St., near Town Hall, to…
-
Northrop Corporation Wins Military Contract to Expand Norwood Plant-August 30, 1985
Northrop Corp.’s Precision Products Division in Norwood wins a $1.9 million military contract, expanding its workforce and taking on full system design.
-
Republic Plumbing Supply Seeks Expansion-July 25, 1985
William Duggan, owner of Republic Plumbing on Route 1, sought permission to extend the front of his building.
-
Norwood Marketing Advice for Downtown Merchants-July 18, 1985
In the sweltering summer of 1985, the quaint town of Norwood found itself facing a pressing concern: how to revitalize its downtown area and entice customers back into its shops. The rise of large malls had led to a decline in foot traffic, leaving local merchants struggling to compete with the glitz and glamour of…
-
New Friends Show They Care About Norwood Theft Victim-July 12, 1985
After a devastating June break-in at her 715 Washington St. store, Gould rebuilt her business with the help of a caring downtown community.
-
Norwood Selectmen Vow to Fight Potential Closure of Masoneilan International Plants and Loss of 750 Local Jobs-August 10, 1983
Norwood selectmen vowed to meet with Masoneilan International officials to prevent the potential closure of Massachusetts plants in Norwood, Canton, and Avon, which employ 750 workers.
-
The Closing of Stop & Shop in Norwood, Massachusetts – July 18, 1983
On a sweltering summer day in July 1983, the residents of Willow-Wood Terrace apartments in Norwood, Massachusetts, received devastating news: their beloved Stop & Shop supermarket was closing its doors on July 30. The announcement sent shockwaves throughout the community, particularly among the elderly tenants who relied heavily on the convenient location and services offered…
-
Shaw’s Made to End ‘Round-Clock Hours-July 13, 1983
The quaint town of Norwood, nestled in the heart of Massachusetts, was abuzz with controversy on a sweltering summer evening in July 1983. The local selectmen had gathered at their meeting hall to deliberate on a pressing matter that would have far-reaching implications for the community’s residents and businesses alike. At the center of this…
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.