Old Colony Tech Hub Strategy Development
Empowering Southeastern Massachusetts’ Innovation Economy
The Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) is leading a transformative initiative to position the Route 24 corridor as a regional center for advanced manufacturing and technology. This effort is part of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s Tech Hub Grant Program, which supports regional strategies to strengthen innovation ecosystems. Through this program, OCPC will work with businesses, educators, and municipalities to build a competitive innovation economy for Southeastern Massachusetts.
About the Grant
OCPC has received a $100,000 Strategy Development Grant from the Mass Technology Collaborative to support the designation of the Route 24 corridor as a Tech Hub. This funding will enable the creation of a comprehensive strategic plan that identifies regional assets in advanced manufacturing, guides future investment, and fosters collaboration across industry, academia, and government. The ultimate goal is to develop a roadmap that attracts employers, grows jobs, and secures additional state and federal resources for long-term competitiveness.
Why It Matters
The Route 24 corridor is a critical economic engine for the region. Leveraging its existing strengths will create new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Key Factors About the Corridor:
65+
Advanced Manufacturing Companies
5,500
Skilled Workers in Machining, Aerospace, Medical Devices, Automation, and Materials
350+
Acres of Development Potential with Upcoming Infrastructure Improvements
Strong Partnerships
Among Municipalities, Colleges, Workforce Boards, and Industry Leaders
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Project Goals?
This strategy is designed to ensure the region remains competitive and future-ready. It will:
- Expand training and credential programs in CNC machining, robotics, photonics, automation, and medical technology
- Establish an Innovation Hub for training, incubation, and R&D
- Identify ready-to-develop industrial sites and infrastructure needs
- Launch a regional branding campaign to attract employers and investment
- Deliver a final strategy capable of securing future funding
Who are the Key Partners?
Collaboration is at the heart of this initiative. Industry leaders, workforce organizations, educational institutions, and municipalities are working together to make this vision a reality.
Partners Include:
- Industry Leaders: AccuRounds, Shawmut Advanced Materials, FH Peterson Machine Corp, Evans Machine, Primo Medical, North Easton Machine, Precision Fabricators, Insulation Technology Inc, Potentia Manufacturing Group, Ranfac Inc
- Workforce Partners: MassHire Greater Brockton & South Shore Career Centers
- Educational Institutions: Massasoit Community College, Stonehill College, Bridgewater State University, regional vocational schools
- Municipalities: Avon, Brockton, Bridgewater, Easton, Stoughton, West Bridgewater
- Non-Profit Partners: Empower Yourself (STEM programs for underserved students)
What are the Challenges Being Addressed?
The region faces several barriers to growth that this strategy aims to overcome:
- Shortage of skilled workers in robotics, CNC machining, and automation
- Hiring delays impacting production
- Limited training programs and lack of dedicated incubator space
- Need for stronger employer-educator partnerships
What is the Timeline?
The project runs from November 2025 through June 2027 and includes five phases:
- Outreach & Assessments
- Workforce Research & Branding
- Strategy Drafting
- Investment Plan
- Public Rollout
How do I get Involved?
Stakeholder input is essential to the success of this initiative. We invite employers, educators, and community leaders to share workforce needs, identify expansion barriers, and participate in focus groups and working groups.
To get involved, please reach out to our contacts below:
- Nick Giaquinto, Senior Economic Development Planner
- Paul Umano, Grant & Fiscal Compliance Officer
