Aspen Aerogels Celebrates Major Expansion to East Providence Manufacturing Facility

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI –  Aspen Aerogels celebrated the completion of its third manufacturing line at its facility in East Providence, RI today.  Governor Gina Raimondo, Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Mayor Thomas A. Rose of East Providence, and local community leaders joined the energy technology manufacturer for a ribbon cutting and tour of the company’s new Line 3 facility. The $30 million project was an important step in Aspen’s long-term strategy for growth and will expand the company’s capacity by 25 percent to meet the growing demand of its customers.

“I am honored to be here today to celebrate another innovative and growing company in Rhode Island,” said Governor Raimondo, who spoke at the event.  “Aspen’s investment in our state and their continuous growth is a clear sign that companies can make it in Rhode Island and bring more jobs to the Ocean State.”

Aspen Aerogels is a leading energy technology company which develops and manufactures innovative, high-performance aerogel insulation used primarily in large-scale energy infrastructure facilities.  Aspen employs more than 180 people in Rhode Island.

Since Line 3’s official opening on March 15th, 16 full-time production operators have been hired.  It is predicted that the workforce will grow by 10 to 15 percent this year throughout the company, including positions in manufacturing, engineering, sales and marketing, and research and development.  In addition to the in-house hires, more than 100 construction jobs were created as part of the project.

“I am pleased to have worked with Aspen Aerogels for over a decade to help them grow and expand here in Rhode Island.  Aspen helps their customers, including the military, operate more efficiently,” said U.S. Senator Reed, the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, who has worked with Aspen Aerogels since 2002 to help them do business with the federal government, including the U.S. Department of Defense.  “This marks the second major expansion of Aspen’s manufacturing facilities and productivity here in East Providence in the last several years.  It is great to see this type of investment in the community and I remain committed to doing all I can to help Aspen and other local businesses succeed.”

“For centuries, some of the most innovative and highest quality products have been manufactured right here in Rhode Island,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Companies like Aspen Aerogels are continuing that tradition in exciting new areas like energy efficiency. Congratulations to everyone at Aspen Aerogels on this new facility.”

Aspen’s support and participation in the local community was also highlighted.

“Aspen is a well-respected member of our community,” said Mayor Rose, Ward 3.  “We greatly value their presence here.  Aspen is a great example of investment in East Providence’s waterfront and has great potential to drive economic development, job growth, and bring extra revenue to the City.”
Don Young, President and Chief Executive Officer at Aspen Aerogels expressed his gratitude to Rhode Island leaders and the community.

“We know that the launch of this new facility would not have been possible without the support and encouragement from the state of Rhode Island and East Providence,” Young said at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“We are deeply committed to the people working here at Aspen Aerogels, this community, and this state.  All of them are integral to our growth, and we look forward to being here for many years ahead,” he added.
About Aspen Aerogels, Inc.

Aspen Aerogels is an energy technology company that designs, develops and manufactures innovative, high-performance aerogel insulation.  Used primarily in large-scale energy infrastructure facilities, Aspen’s Pyrogel and Cryogel insulation products provide superior performance, enabling customers to save energy, improve yields, increase profits and provide a safer working environment. Headquartered in Northborough, Mass., Aspen Aerogels manufactures its Cryogel®, Pyrogel® and Spaceloft® products at its facility in East Providence, R.I.

 

 

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