EAST/VALLEY

State backs tax deals for United Lens and Northbridge kennel

Staff Writer
Telegram & Gazette

Two business in Central Mass. are in line for tax credits under the state Economic Development Incentive Program.

United Lens Corp. of Southbridge and Crootof & Sawyer Ventures of Northbridge, owner of a pet business, are among six businesses in Massachusetts that were approved for the program, according to an announcement Thursday from the state Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. The businesses are looking to expand.

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said, "Today’s announcement will directly generate more than 3,500 new jobs, in digital health, manufacturing and e-commerce, and lead to new commercial development, all with outsized benefits for their home communities and the EDIP program continues to be an important tool for our administration to further our shared goals of job creation and economic activity.”

United Lens, maker of optical components, has plans to expand its manufacturing floor and upgrade its existing operation. It is expected to invest $14.1 million, according to the state. Southbridge has given the OK to a 15-year tax-increment financing deal, worth $382,000, the state said.

Crootof & Sawyer, a property management company, plan to relocate and expand an existing pet business, PawSteps, with the hiring of 25 employees, in addition to 13 current workers, according to the state. Northbridge has backed a tax deal worth $65,000, the state said.