Reps. Tobon and Barros View Quonset Business Park as Key Driver of R.I. Economic Growth on Recent Tour

QUONSET, RI – Representative Jean Philippe Barros (District 59, Pawtucket) and Representative Carlos Tobon (District 58, Pawtucket) toured the Quonset Business Park recently to learn more about the economic growth, new jobs, and development underway there.  The representatives toured the 3,200 acre Business Park with Steven King, managing director of the Quonset Development Corporation (QDC).

Quonset Business Park is already one of the premiere business parks in New England and one of the largest in the Northeast.  It is a main driver of economic growth and job creation in Rhode Island.  Quonset is home to nearly 200 companies, employing more than 10,000 people in both full-time and part-time jobs in every sector of the economy. The Port of Davisville is consistently one of the Top Ten auto importers in North America.   The Business Park has added more than 4,000 new jobs since 2005.

“Quonset is one of Rhode Island’s most important assets, especially when it comes to driving our economy forward and providing job opportunities for Rhode Islanders,” said Rep. Barros.  “This tour gave me an up-close look at some of the unique and innovative ways the Quonset Development Corporation has been able to spur development and create more jobs in the state.”

“I was extremely impressed with my recent visit to Quonset Business Park,” Representative Tobon said. “From the modernized infrastructure to the numerous construction projects to the strategic planning they have taken on – all Rhode Islanders should be proud of the success going on there. Quonset Business Park and the Port of Davisville are clearly helping to move our state forward.”

Although the Business Park is over 3,200 acres, there are just 265 acres remaining available for development at Quonset.

The legislators’ visit comes at an exciting time for the Business Park.  Governor Gina Raimondo recently helped Greencore, a leading international convenience foods company, mark the opening of their new 107,000 square foot production facility at Quonset.  The new facility will bring more than 400 new jobs to the Park.  In January, the Governor announced that the Port of Davisville achieved its fifth consecutive record breaking year for automobiles imported by ship in 2014.  More than 178,000 automobiles were imported at the Port last year, with another 34,000 autos arriving by rail and 3,000 coming by truck.

The Rhode Island congressional delegation, Governor Raimondo, and former Governor Lincoln Chafee were also at the Business Park in December to celebrate a major milestone of more than 10,000 jobs being located at the Park.  There are close to 200 companies at Quonset today, and the QDC recently aired a radio campaign promoting the website QuonsetJobs.com. The successful online initiative makes Rhode Island job seekers aware of available positions offered by companies within Quonset Business Park and at the Port of Davisville.

“We look forward to working with members of the General Assembly in 2015 and thank Representative Barros and Tobon for taking the time to come and see our work here,” said Steven King.   “With less than 300 acres left for development, we continue to grow, and look forward to sharing our story with more legislators and our fellow Rhode Islanders.”

About Quonset Development Corporation: The Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) is a real estate development and property management company. Formed in 2005 it is responsible for the development and management of the 3,207 acre Quonset Business Park®.  Quonset Business Park is the home to nearly 200 companies, more than 10,000 full and part-time jobs, and the Port of Davisville, which is a Top Ten auto-importer in North America.

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