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Date: 11/7/2023
CHICOPEE — UPF Site Built inaugurated a new 152,000-square-foot manufacturing facility on Griffith Road. The site, previously home to Leoni Wire and vacant since December 2021, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art truss making facility.
Mayor John Vieau, who presided over an Oct. 27 ribbon cutting with company and city officials, recognized the venture as a boost for local employment and economic growth.
“Chicopee continues to benefit from such collaborations. By welcoming UFP Site Built, we’re not just occupying an industrial void but also echoing the innovative and resilient nature of our community,” Vieau stated.
The strategic expansion by UFP Site Built is expected to create at least 85 new jobs, contributing to the city’s ongoing efforts to attract and retain industrial enterprises.
UFP Site Built’s regional vice president, Kevin Klein, remarked on the expansion, noting the creation of at least 85 new job positions, which aligns with the company’s efforts to expand in the area.
City Councilor Joel McAuliffe noted, “This will bring jobs to Chicopee and represents a considerable investment in our city. After recent challenges with our business community image, the move stands to significantly assist in mending that perception.”
Operations Manager Dave DeForest detailed the company’s development of the Chicopee facility, stating, “We had a vision to grow the truss manufacturing side of our business, and this building was perfectly aligned with our growth objectives.”
According to DeForest, since opening the Chicopee facility, the company has added 21 full-time positions. With current staffing at around 120, plans are to increase it to 140 and 150 employees within a few years.
DeForest highlighted the facility’s ample size and technological advancements as pivotal in enhancing operational efficiency.
“This facility is a game-changer,” DeForest said. “The automation projects we’ve implemented are not just about increasing capacity; they’re also about improving the ergonomics and ease of the jobs for our employees.”
Finding a suitable facility of this magnitude was challenging. DeForest revealed that the search took several years, emphasizing the rarity of available properties that meet such specific industrial requirements.
The company’s products are predominantly for multifamily and residential constructions, with around 60% of production dedicated to the former.
DeForest underscored the importance of location, noting the facility’s proximity to major transportation routes, including Interstate 91 and the Massachusetts Turnpike, which facilitates the distribution network across New England and beyond.
The transition to the new site was smoothed by the City of Chicopee’s supportive stance. The City Council’s unanimous approval of a Tax Increment Financing agreement underscores the local government’s commitment to fostering economic opportunities.
“Our employees are excited about the new technologies and automation that the new facility brings,” DeForest mentioned. “Most of them reside in the area, making the new location a more convenient commute.”
DeForest saw the move as a strategic step to solidify UFP Site Built’s position as a supplier of choice in the region. The added capacity and technology pave the way for faster production rates and the ability to meet customer demands more effectively.
Despite previous supply chain disruptions during the coronavirus pandemic, DeForest was optimistic about the industry’s recovery. “Things are starting to normalize,” he stated, reflecting a positive outlook shared by many in the manufacturing sector.
The Chicopee facility is now among the more than 200 locations operated by UFP Industries. It is the second location in Massachusetts, joining the operation in Belchertown.
With this new facility, UFP Site Built not only fills the physical space left by Leoni Wire but also brings new energy to Chicopee’s industrial sector.