On July 16, 1979, the Reliance Electric Company, a major firm specializing in the service and repair of industrial electric motors, announced that it will finalize the relocation of its regional service center to Norwood on September 1, 1979. The company is moving its operations from its current location in South Boston to a new, modern facility located within the Park Place industrial development off Route 1. This expansive 19,000-square-foot site is designed to optimize the company’s regional capabilities, featuring 15,000 square feet specifically dedicated to an electric motor repair area, supplemented by 4,000 square feet of administrative office space. The transition to Norwood is expected to bolster the local workforce, with the company projecting employment for approximately 30 individuals—an increase of five positions over the current staffing levels maintained in South Boston.
The Reliance Electric Company, which maintains its primary corporate headquarters in Ohio, operates an extensive network of service hubs, including 12 additional centers distributed throughout the United States and numerous facilities in industrial centers across the globe. Beyond its specialized repair services, the company offers a robust logistics network, including comprehensive pick-up and delivery services available to industrial clients within a 150-mile radius. Furthermore, the company provides expert field technicians who are available for both emergency repairs and scheduled maintenance directly at customer plants. The move to Park Place reflects the company’s commitment to improving its accessibility and efficiency for clients throughout the New England region, solidifying Norwood’s growing role as a hub for industrial service and specialized technical operations.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More Norwood Business History
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Conservation Commission Faces Angry Residents Over Proposed Washington Street Auto Body Shop-August 8, 1979
Amid fierce opposition from South Norwood homeowners concerned over Hawes Brook flooding and pollution hazards, the Norwood Conservation Commission reviewed safety plans for a proposed auto body shop on Washington Street.
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New Reliance Electric Service Center-July 17, 1979
Reliance Electric, which services and repairs industrial electric motors, will move its regional service center here from South Boston on Sept. 1. The new facility in a 19,000-square-foot location in the Park Place industrial development off Route 1 will employ some 30 persons, an increase of five over current levels. The company, with headquarters in…
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Andrew Venskus Announces Closing of 33-Year Guild Square Jewelry Store Following Armed Robbery and Shootout-September 13, 1978
Andrew Venskus announces the permanent closure of Venskus Jewelers in Guild Square after 33 years following a violent armed robbery and shootout.
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Norwood Park Place Industrial Park Advances-September 12, 1978
Norwood Planning Board releases $50,000 in performance bonding for the Park Place industrial park on Route 1 as roadway and building construction progresses.
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Plans Unveiled to Revitalize Norwood Central Business District with Traffic Improvements-September 12, 1978
Consultants unveil a revitalization plan for Norwood’s central business district featuring traffic modifications, pedestrian amenities, and parking optimization.
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Analog Devices Plans Major World Headquarters Expansion Into New 33-Acre Norwood Industrial Park-August 23, 1978
Computer equipment giant Analog Devices plans a 50,000-square-foot headquarters facility in a new 33-acre Route 1 industrial park, pending state and local sewer connection approvals.
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Selectmen Support Park Place Industrial Park Owner in Seeking Temporary Portable Toilet Approval-August 9, 1978
Selectmen backed Park Place Industrial Park owner James H. Shane in seeking Board of Health reconsideration for temporary portable toilets amid sewer connection delays.
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John Shalbey Jr. Proposes Office Building Behind Ro-Jo Car Wash-August 9, 1978
Local businessman John Shalbey Jr. faced mixed reactions from David Terrace residents while seeking a zoning variance for an office building behind his Route 1 car wash.
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South End Hardware: A Landmark Institution-July 5, 1978
In 1978, the Abdallah family’s South End Hardware in South Norwood stood as a testament to four generations of community service and local history.
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LaRosa Brothers Step Down from The Village Inn after 15 Years-June 7, 1978
A beloved Guild Square culinary staple prepares for a structural transition as its founding brothers head toward retirement after a 15-year run.
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