The Manufacturing Revolution had its roots in North Central Massachusetts • Visit North Central

The “Manufacturing Revolution” had its roots in

North Central Massachusetts

From the “Plastics Capital of the World” to “Toy Town” to “Chair City”, North Central Massachusetts has a huge heritage as a manufacturing and industrial hub.

The region has a rich history in Manufacturing Tradition, including the birthplace of American plastics industry in Leominster.
The area is home to more than 430 manufacturers, including dozens of multinational corporations. Companies range from the world class plastics industry cluster of more than 140 companies – the largest in the Northeast — to pharmaceuticals to photonics and paper, as well as biomedical devices.
North Central Massachusetts is unique among workforce areas in the state in that it has double the number of manufacturing jobs as a percentage of the private labor force. Fully one-third of all private wages paid in the region are from manufacturing jobs.
From a flourishing comb industry to the invention of Tupperware and the creation of the Plastic Lawn Flamingo, Leominster molded itself into the Pioneer Plastics City.
Gardner earned its seat in history as Chair City producing in excess 1.2 million chairs annually at their manufacturing peak.
In addition to its reputation as Toy Town, Winchendon was home to the first successful wood thickness planer, invented by Baxter Whitney.
Fitchburg’s manufacturing history spans a variety of industries over the years including steam engines, world class bicycles, firearms, and paper.
Clinton’s rich history as a mill town starting with the invention of the Bigelow Loom for carpets and heavy textiles.
This is why we say that North Central Massachusetts is “Where Manufacturing Matters.”

Upcoming Events

Masters of the Telecaster: GE Smith, Larry Campbell, Jim Weider

April 25 @ 8:00 pm

Three of the most prolific rock guitarists in the world GE Smith (SNL / Roger Waters band), Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan / Levon Helm band), Jim Weider (...

Pannukakku Breakfast

April 26 @ 8:00 am

Join us for a delicious Pannukakku Breakfast and browse the Flea Market at the Finnish Center at Saima Park! 🍽️ 🗓️ Saturday, April 26...

Massachusetts Agriculture in Action Expo 2025

April 26 @ 10:00 am

We are thrilled to present the Massachusetts Agriculture in Action Expo and Mou...

Townsend Earth Day

April 26 @ 10:00 am

April 26th Saturday 10 am-3 pm. 21 year Earth Day Celebration at NMRS HS Rain Date, Sunday April 27th, 10am-3 pm. Music, crafts, environment...

Bay State African Violet Society Sale & Small Display

April 26 @ 10:00 am

From fuzzy leaves to friendly flowers, there are many reasons why African violets are among America’s most popular houseplants. Come discover the ap...

Earth Day Cleanup - Gateway Park and Community Garden

April 26 @ 10:00 am

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Travel to (not through) North Central Massachusetts

Located in the Heart of the Commonwealth