Effort focuses on next-generation manufacturing

Mason Box Co. of North Attleboro is among several local companies that have been selected to participate in the "Next Generation Manufacturing Initiative, or NGMI, an effort to foster best-in-class manufacturing processes.

(Some Mason boxes are displayed at left.)

Other participants in the initiative include Hoppe Tool Inc. of Chicopee, Matouk Textiles of Fall River, Munksjo Paper Inc. of Fitchburg, and Spectro Coating Corp. of Leominster.

The initiative is a partnership of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, a nonprofit group representing Bay State employers; MassDevelopment, the commonwealth's finance and development authority; and the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a group dedicated to helping local manufacturers remain competitive in a global marketplace.

According to members of the partnership, the initiative is a "proactive approach" to help "businesses that want to change and are willing to reinvent themselves to remain globally competitive and accelerate growth."

Hoppe makes tools for the manufacturing of firearms. Matouk makes luxury linens. And Spectro Coatings produces flock textiles and films used by the auto and the home goods industries.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)