Although known worldwide as the Pioneer Plastic City - a title it earned through more than a century of innovation in the plastics industry - Leominster is home to a wide range of businesses, from independently-owned restaurants to international manufacturers.

Since the development of celluloid in the 1860s, plastics have been a mainstay of the Leominster business scene. Over the years, the city's reputation spread through popular products like Foster Grant sunglasses and the ubiquitous pink flamingo. But there's more to the plastics story than consumer products like hair brushes, housewares and lawn decorations.

More than 120 Leominster companies are tied to the plastics industry, ranging from mold manufacturers and medical device producers to tool and die makers and manufacturers of raw materials. As the industry continued to develop through the 20th century, Leominster's status as a center for precision molding and innovation grew. The strength of that plastics base led to the creation of the MassPlastics trade show - the largest plastics show on the east coast.

Beyond its worldwide reputation in the plastics industry, Leominster enjoys a broad economic base. Major employers run the gamut from the hospital/health care system to national retail chains. With a vibrant downtown business district and array of restaurants and other service companies, the city is able to meet the needs of employers and workers alike.
 
Leominster's success in maintaining that solid economic base stems from a combination of strategies. While supporting important municipal services, from its public library to professional police and fire departments, Leominster has kept its property tax rate among the lowest in the state. The city offers a broad range of economic development resources, from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) programs to small business development forums, to assist companies interested in locating and expanding within the city. Combined with an array of business programs offered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Leominster's economic development incentives provide a welcome mat for industry.

Attracting businesses to the community - with its strategic geographic location and business-friendly environment - is only the first step. Established businesses are assisted, too, through efforts of organizations like the Leominster Small Business Association and the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. With a blend of municipal and private services, the city stands ready to promote economic opportunity for businesses of all sizes.

Businesses interested in locating or expanding in Leominster can turn to a wealth of resources. From business loans to workforce education, a host of city, regional and state agencies stand ready to assist companies that want to call Leominster their home. Technical materials designed to provide a quick grasp of regulations and licensing requirements are available for starting a business in the City of Leominster.
 
To the left is a sampling of offices serving local businesses; for more specific business resources relating to the city, contact the Leominster Office of Economic Development at 978-534-7525 Ext. 257. For more resources, see:
www.leominster-ma.gov