Pittsfield Halts Mosquito-Spray Program

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Board of Health has shutdown the chemical spray part of the city's mosquito-eradication program, saying the public hasn't been adequately informed about the process.

Director of Health James Wilusz said on Tuesday that more should be done to inform the public about the program, including a "written procedure and protocol" prior to spraying.

"People should be able to weigh in whether or not they want spraying on their property," he said.

Ward 6 City Councilor John Krol, however, said in an e-letter to his constituents late Monday that residents have been informed about the process.

"In spite of numerous public meetings, media reports and interviews, and an 11-0 City Council vote, the chairman [Dr. Philip Adamo] of the Board of Health is concerned that the public has not received its due 'major media campaign' that the board feels will allow the public to fully understand the pros and cons of the spraying aspect of the program — ranging from public health concerns to the bee population."

Lenco Celebrates $5M in Capital Investments

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:34AM / Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Executive Vice President Lenny Light says it's not the equipment but the staff that gives Lenco its competitive advantage. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Lenco Armored Vehicles has embarked on a $5 million capital investment project for faster, better manufacturing. 

 

A ribbon was cut on Monday in front of the company's new Trumpf TruLaser 3080, a machine designed to cut extra-large sheets of metal. This will increase the efficiency of building armored tactical vehicles, such as the BearCat, by about 40 percent. 

 

Executive Vice President Lenny Light recalled the Lenco's beginnings in 1981, when it operated out of 3,000 square feet on Merrill Road with 15 employees.  Today, Lenco has 170,000 square feet of manufacturing space and nearly 150 employees. 

 

"The work that we do here in Pittsfield contributes to millions of dollars being put back into our local economy. We're the largest commercial armored rescue vehicle manufacturer in the United States. We're one of the most respected brands locally. We also now own the largest fiber laser in the United States. It's the only one of its kind in the Northeast," he said, motioning to the massive, modern machinery. 

 

"But the equipment that we have is not our competitive advantage — our welders, our forklifts, our cranes — any company can buy this same exact equipment." 

 

Rather than the equipment, he said, it's the staff who shows up every day with a can-do attitude that gives Lenco its competitive advantage. 

 

Planning for the industrial cutter began 18 months ago, when the company needed to decide if it was the right equipment for the future. Trumpf, named for its founder, is a German-headquartered global manufacturer of high-end metal processing (computer numerical control) machines, including laser technology. The TruLaser 3080 uses a high-intensity laser beam to cut through metals with speed and accuracy.