Benchmark Carbide expands operations
Date: 10/9/2012
By G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.comSPRINGFIELD — The owner of Benchmark Carbide decided not only to stay in Springfield, but to expand his space and workforce at the company's new location of 616 Dwight St.
Paul St. Louis, who opened his business with three employees in 1980, thanked the city for its help in finding a location — a former Post Office building.
In turn, Mayor Domenic Sarno thanked St. Louis for his "continued belief and investment in the city of Springfield."
Although the company moved to its new home in April, it conducted a grand opening last week.
National Sales Manager Tim Barry explained the precision manufacturing company makes endmills, a cutting tool used in precision manufacturing, among other products. The tools the company makes cut some of the hardest substances used in manufacturing, including titanium, he added.
Barry said the company had been in a location on St. James Street with no room to grow.
"We looked everywhere in Western Massachusetts and after some serious research we decided to stay in Springfield, Mass., and be part of its economic revival," Barry said. He added that Springfield being part of the "Knowledge Corridor" and a transportation hub also contributed to the company's decision.
Benchmark Carbide now has 33 employees, five of whom have been added within the last six months. The new plant was a $2.7 million investment and runs three shifts seven days a week, Barry added.
He said the company has invested $16 million in new grinding equipment and St. Louis said with overseas competition it's necessary to "keep costs in line so you can make money to reinvest."
The old location isn't going to be vacant very long, Barry noted, as Nash Manufacturing and Grinding Services of Holyoke has purchased the building and is planning to move its operations there.
