Devens Library Checks Out Nicely for Laddawn

August 5, 2010 : The Lowell Sun, by Rachel R. Briere

DEVENS – A national plastics manufacturer has purchased the former Devens Davis Library and plans to redevelop it into the company’s new corporate headquarters.

Laddawn Inc. will relocate from Sterling to Devens, renovating the 10,000-square-foot library and creating a dozen new jobs at the site.

Using renewable energy, the company manufactures recyclable plastic films and bags for industrial, food, medical and institutional markets. In addition to Devens, Laddawn currently operates warehouse and manufacturing facilities in Texas, Nevada, Iowa and Georgia.

“We’re pleased to welcome Laddawn as the newest member of the Devens business family,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Robert L. Culver in a written statement. “The company’s commitment to the Commonwealth, job creation, and environmentally-friendly practices – a green approach also adopted by MassDevelopment in Devens – will make Laddawn a valuable part of the community for years to come.”

Located off Route 2, Devens is home to more than 75 businesses employing more than 3,500 people. Created by statute in 1993 to support business growth and attract economic development opportunities in the region, the 4,400-acre site features fast-track permitting and other incentives for businesses. The former military installation is recognized today as a national model for military-base redevelopment.

“The people at MassDevelopment and the Devens community made us feel very confident that we had a partner for growth,” said Laddawn Co-President Ladd Lavallee. “We’ve welcomed many new employees and families onto our team and we’ve set the stage for the addition of many more. The Devens property provides all the things we need in a new facility, including a thoughtfully planned community with excellent amenities.”