Plimpton Press Announces Expansion Plan-November 10, 1964

Town’s Largest Industrial Operation Outlines Multi-Million Dollar Program Through 1973, Promising New Jobs and Equipment

NORWOOD — Plimpton Press Inc. has announced plans to advance a major long-term expansion program at its Lenox Street manufacturing plant. Company officials Henry Roberts and Harry Howard, representing Norwood’s largest industrial operation, outlined the initiative during a brief presentation before the Norwood Selectmen.

While precise financial figures and architectural details remain confidential pending final approval from the firm’s higher administrative echelon, Roberts stated that the multi-year program will involve purchasing large quantities of advanced machinery, creating new jobs, and continuing through 1973. Plimpton Press operates as a $16 million-a-year enterprise with an annual payroll exceeding $6.1 million, figures company leadership expects to increase substantially under the new growth initiative.

Reinvestment Strategy and Past Town Commitments

Future expansion will be governed by a corporate policy adopted several years prior, under which company earnings are systematically reinvested into plant operations. Roberts reported that $4 million had been plowed back into the firm over the preceding three years, directly enhancing employment and economic stability for local townspeople.

Addressing past criticisms from town meeting members who alleged the company had not fulfilled previous expansion promises following the municipal closure of Lenox Street—which allowed the firm to expand its complex—Roberts explained that supply specifications had forced a change in plans. Instead of acquiring a single massive press, the firm invested approximately $800,000 to install three new specialized presses that expanded workforce rolls. Roberts assured selectmen that the company remains fully committed to keeping “good faith” with the town on all future development matters.