Business View Civil & Municipal Apr-2023

172 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4 to the market with the benefit of accessibility. It’s steps from I-495 and just 1.6 miles from I-95. That gives whoever takes over the space direct access to New Hampshire and nearby Boston. Through planning, public input, and studies of the area, Amesbury has determined that the ideal land use for the property would be in the artificial intelligence/robotics and medical/pharmaceutical research industries; both of which have been expanding in Massachusetts over the past several years. “I have actually been to a couple of these locations, specifically robotics, and it’s not a lot of noise, there are no emissions from it, and it tends to be a fun place to showcase, so it would be an opportunity to engage the community, as well,” Cleveland says. Amesbury has a request for proposals (RFP) out now before a municipal disposition committee makes the final decision in the coming months. “We’re excited to see what comes in and hoping we can really see that process move fast,” Cleveland adds. Adding even more development to the city’s business landscape is Amesbury’s longest and largest manufacturer, Munters Corporation. The Swedish-based environmental systems sales and manufacturer has held court in Amesbury for over 60 years, with a third of its workforce of 300 living right in the city. Their climate control solutions serve many industries including food, pharmaceuticals, and the lithium batteries being used in electric automobiles. Now, they’re looking to expand their operations. “They contribute to the economy through their workers, all 300 of them, not just the ones that live in Amesbury, but also through visitors that come to Amesbury,” Cleveland says “Our local hotels see the benefit, and so do our restaurants and other retail and commercial industries. And they also purchase supplies through local business, supporting