|
|
|
|
8,800 Jobs, 164 Companies
The latest figures for employment at the Quonset Business Park show the job number at 8,842, employed across 164 companies inside the park. 2,400 of those jobs were created in the last 3 - 4 years. Over $170 million dollars in private investment has been made at the park over the last four years, with another $126 million in the pipeline.
Job growth is expected to continue over the next five years, including an expected 1,000 new positions at submarine manufacturer Electric Boat. One of Quonset's cornerstone companies, EB has already invested $30 million over the past three years in modernizing and expanding its facility, and is shifting more of its manufacturing work to Quonset.
"Not only do the thousands of jobs provide employment opportunities during a difficult economic time, but the workers at the facility also act as consumers within the commercial sector of the park," said Steven King, managing director of the QDC.
|
300 New Jobs at the Gateway 
The Gateway at Quonset Point continues to grow with recent openings of two retail stores, and other local businesses planning to arrive soon. Lowe's and Kohl's have both opened new stores in the mixed use development that serves as the Business Park's front door, bringing with them over 300 new jobs.
The Gateway at full build out is expected to generate over 2,000 jobs, most in the office sector. The project will encompass 72.5 acres with office, retail, hospitality, restaurant and green space, all with a pedestrian-friendly, "Main Street" feel.
In addition to national companies, the Gateway has also attracted popular local retailers. Locally owned and operated grocery store Dave's Marketplace is set to move into its 23,000-square-foot space in the spring. North Kingstown-based ice cream shop Inside Scoop has also signed on to open a franchise at the Gateway, complete with outdoor and indoor seating.
|
Davisville Sees Auto Imports Grow
The Port of Davisville at Quonset has experienced continued growth by auto importer North Atlantic Distribution (NORAD), with Volkswagen relocating its imports from Wilmington, Delaware. An 85% increase in auto imports in the last quarter of 2008 has already resulted in the addition of 75 new jobs at NORAD, bringing its workforce to approximately 300. This has created demand for longshoremen, since many of the cars arrive by boat. NORAD is leasing an additional 15.5 acres to support its port imports - for almost $2.8 million over 10 years. The port generated over $1.75 million in revenue last year in dockage, wharfage, tariffs and lease income. | |
|
|
|
