Industries

Western Massachusetts's largest industries are supported by networks of companies, resources, programs and universities. Explore the links below and contact us for more information.

Aerospace

Many of Western Massachusetts's precision manufacturing companies are contracted suppliers of precision mechanical components and sub-assemblies to major commercial manufacturers, aircraft engine builders, and military equipment contractors across the United States and internationally.

Creative Economy

In Massachusetts, the creative industries include the many interlocking industry sectors that provide creative services or create and promote intellectual property products. The businesses (for-profit), organizations (not-for-profit) and individuals (sole proprietors) can be divided into the many categories that make up the Creative Economy Network.

Entrepreneur Resources

Small, growing and start-up companies leverage the benefits of the Western Massachusetts region to expand, grow and thrive. Low real estate costs, business incubators and an abundance of small business resources make the region an attractive place to begin a business.

Financial Services

The Hartford-Springfield region hosts a high concentration of insurance and financial companies. MassMutual Financial Group is headquartered in Springfield while numerous other insurers and financial service companies are located in Greater Hartford and throughout the Knowledge Corridor.

Health Care

Many of the region's major employers are hospitals and health care systems. Baystate Health, with more than 10,000 employees, is the state's second largest hospital system and the western campus of the Tufts University School of Medicine. Cutting-edge research laboratories, an array of specialty treatment centers and the Shriner's Children's Hospital make this one of the region's most prominent sectors.

Information Technology

Affordable access to reliable bandwidth, low overhead and an educated workforce all aid the region's more than 125 established software companies to offer their full range of information systems products and services to businesses and consumers worldwide.

Life Sciences

A fledgling cluster of public and private sector life science and biotechnology entities have found Western Massachusetts appealing for research, development and education, resources, support and incentives for science and medical-based businesses.

Manufacturing

A booming manufacturing industry has been a trademark of the region for longer than 200 years. More than 500 companies and close to 20% of the region's private sector payroll remains devoted to manufacturing.

Sub-industry summaries:

  • Firearms Manufacturing
  • Precision Machining

Medical Devices

Medical Device development and manufacturing is an emerging industry here that is fueled by entrepreneurs starting companies that take advantage of the region's engineers, researchers, historic strength and precision machining cluster, which provides an excellent location to manufacture device products.

Plastics

More than 70 businesses, support companies, specialized degree programs of UMass, (including the premier polymer science program in the country) and several trade organizations represent this important industry for Western Massachusetts.

Renewable Energy

Clean technology has increased its presence in Western Massachusetts as the industry experiences rapid state-wide growth. Companies, research institutions and regional green energy organizations collectively create and enhance this industry.

Tourism

Affordability and easy access to the entire Northeast makes Western Massachusetts a popular vacation destination. The region boasts two commercial airports, convention and exhibition centers, the Basketball Hall of Fame, extensive lodging and dining venues and much more.