This month’s Devens Forward Sustainable Business Spotlight takes a closer look at Watson-Marlow - a renowned global leader in the field of fluid management and industrial pumping solutions that moved into Devens in 2022. Established with a rich history dating back to the 1950s, the company has continually pioneered innovative technologies to address the diverse needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food and beverage, water treatment, and many more. Watson-Marlow specializes in precision-engineered products including peristaltic pumps, tubing, and fluid path solutions.
Click here to watch "We Are Watson-Marlow" an introductory video that provides an overview of the company's work and mission.
Watson-Marlow’s award-winning 150,000 square foot facility in Devens is their first manufacturing location in the United States and is the company’s new North American headquarters. The new facility, currently employs over 90 people, and when fully occupied, will contribute an estimated 150 jobs to the Devens region.
(Photo credits: Neil Angus)
Watson-Marlow has striven to be a local corporate leader in sustainability. Christine Harrington, Director of US Supply and Government Tax Incentives Specialist, said this about the company’s sustainability vision:
“Devens sustainable redevelopment goals match-up perfectly with what we are trying to do at Watson-Marlow. We are collaborating with other Devens businesses such as Bristol-Myers Squib, Avantor, and Waiteco, maximizing local partnerships and location efficiencies to collectively improve our operations and reduce our environmental footprint This is going to be a US Green Building Council LEED Gold Certified facility on a previously developed former brownfield site, and we are installing a 1.0 megawatt solar photovoltaic panel array covering the entire roof that will provide 70% of our power supply throughout this facility at peak times.”
Watson-Marlow’s LEED GOLD certification will addresses carbon, energy, water, and waste reduction strategies, transportation, materials, health and indoor environmental quality. The company’s other sustainability initiatives include:
- Multiple electric vehicle charging stations.
- ISO 14001 Certification - internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems for continued environmental performance.
- Rainwater harvested from roof for non-potable water applications.
- Strategically located building near public transport links and Devens bike network, supporting reduced single-occupancy vehicle use and reduced GHG emissions.
- Construction of a nature/recreational trail on-site with connection to the Devens trail network and over 13 miles of trails.
- Campus-wide native planting plan and invasive species removal and management plan, along with a commitment to increasing biodiversity on the site by 10%
- EcoVadis Scorecard - business sustainability rating system for global supply chains, providing detailed insight into environmental, social and ethical risks across 220+ purchasing categories and 180+ countries.
Photo of Watson Marlow Campus from the native wildflower meadow that provides pollinator habitat, stormwater management and numerous other environmental benefits – July 2024
To learn more about Watson Marlow, follow them on X and Facebook.
Business leaders: want to follow in Watson-Marlow's footsteps? Use our Climate Action Toolkit for Businesses and get started today or reach out to the Devens Enterprise Commission or the Devens Eco-Efficiency Center to learn more and connect with other businesses in Devens.
Thanks for reading, stay on the lookout for more blogs on the Devens Forward dashboard!