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

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