Yesterday, more than 300 employees of Southwick Apparel, Haverhill’s newest and largest manufacturer, stopped sewing the pieces of fabric they turn into fine men’s suits and Navy officer uniforms.
They all wanted to hear what Gov. Deval Patrick had to say when he visited the new facility in the Broadway Business Park to celebrate both the company’s 80th anniversary, and a new beginning.
“What a great day,” Patrick proclaimed, drawing a standing ovation by a large crowd that included local, state and company officials. “Welcome Southwick to Haverhill.”
Less than a year ago the company, then located in Lawrence, was on the verge of closing and having its operations moved overseas. But then it was bought by Retail Brand Alliance, the parent company of Brooks Brothers, to which Southwick has been supplying suits to since 1947.
The governor told the crowd that a concerted effort between the city and the state, along with training grants and tax incentives, made it possible for Southwick to move to Haverhill earlier this year — and into a spacious, modern facility.
