GREENFIELD — Ashfield-based Decker Machine Works Inc., a precision parts manufacturer, is hoping to move to Munson Street contingent upon Town Council approval of a zoning amendment during its meeting Wednesday night.
The company has entered into a purchase and sales agreement with Greenfield Savings Bank for its building at 201 Munson St. and adjoining property, according to its president and CEO, Scott Decker.
To make the move, Town Council must pass a zoning amendment to add “light industry, manufacturing or processing plant” as a use allowed by special permit within the Office District.
The town’s Planning Board and Economic Development Committee both voted unanimously Tuesday night to send positive recommendations to the council. Planning Board Chairwoman Roxann Wedegartner said if approved, the amendment would apply to any company that wishes to move to that district.
“This is an opportunity to open up a zone in Greenfield in a section of Greenfield that is advantageous to any light manufacturing,” she said. “It just so happens that the Deckers have a desire to move their business into Greenfield — which is always a good thing — and they happen to be light manufacturing, which is not allowed at the present time in our zoning bylaw for the Office District.”
About the company
Decker Machine Works employs 20 people, and Decker said he’s hoping to increase that number after the move, but said it’s too soon to say by how much. The business, founded in 1982, has been located in Ashfield for 19 years.
“We’ve got no room to expand, so I think this would be a great move for us,” he said.
The Greenfield Savings Bank building and adjacent properties total just over six acres, according to Decker. His company makes small, precision parts for the aerospace, communication and energy industries, among others, and specializes in multi-axis machined parts across the full spectrum of materials from polymers to super-alloys.
If the zoning amendment passes before Town Council, Decker would still have to get a special permit through the Zoning Board of Appeals, giving neighbors a chance to weigh in on the move.
He said in the time he’s been in the business, he’s had only one noise complaint, which came from homeowners across the street on a hot August night when both his business and the residents had their doors and windows open.
“We don’t make a lot of noise,” he said. “We’re very sensitive to that.”
If his company receives all the necessary approvals, Decker said he’d like to move into the building before winter.
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