Springfield manufacturer moving downtown

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A Springfield manufacturer is moving downtown and expanding.

Benchmark Carbide Corporation has moved to Dwight Street downtown. The industrial tool manufacturer is relocating after it outgrew its longtime plant in East Springfield.

Benchmark Carbide makes industrial cutting tools for the aircraft industry and other major industries. President Paul St. Louis told 22News that his plant is in operation around the clock, employing 32 people.

He said the opportunities for growth look good.

“Actually, it looks very strong right now. The aircraft industry is very strong, it's booming. I think in general we're a smaller, mid-sized manufacture, so there's opportunities to compete against the larger one's now,” St. Louis said.

St. Louis told 22News that when his company grows, he intends to hire people trained by local colleges and universities.