Masy Systems hears congratulations from governor

By Don Eriksson
Staff Writer - Pepperell Free Press

PEPPERELL – The growth of Masy Systems of Lomar Park, and its expansion into bio-storage capability, apparently has put Pepperell on the Beacon Hill map.

Masy President Laurie Masiello informed selectmen that Gov. Deval Patrick telephoned a week ago to congratulate the firm on its growth, stated he is encouraged by it and to offer his support to help Laurie and John Masiello “continue to prosper and succeed.”

Masy recently conducted an open house tour of its greatly expanded facility constructed through purchase of six industrial condominiums in Lomar Park.

“We’re thrilled,” John Masiello said.  “It was very nice of the governor.”

The expansion was accomplished with a tax incremental finance (TIF) agreement approved by last fall’s town meeting.  It is Pepperell’s first TIF.

Such agreements offer reduced property taxes on improvements to industries, usually for a 20-year period.  Taxes on the original portion remain constant.

“We would like to thank all of (the townspeople) who voted for our agreement,” Laurie said this week.  “The TIF was an important milestone to accomplish.”

According to the application for tax relief, Masy planned to add five employees to its 32-person workforce by 2010.  This week, at the end of the first quarter, the firm has hired five new workers and is interviewing two more full-time prospects, not counting a few Worcester Polytech students working during the summer.