Steinerfilm to Close This Summer

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Simmonds Road metallized plastic film manufacturer will close this summer after more than 50 years of operation.
 
The Berkshire Eagle reported that Steinerfilm will close at the end of June, leaving 34 people unemployed. The company is working to connect employees with new jobs and resources, and will transition its customers to German sister company Steiner Film GmbH.
 
The Eagle reported that rising costs, supply chain issues, and tariffs made it difficult to operate in the U.S., and a planned sale of the company to a customer fell through.
 
After the closure, the property will go up for sale and the machines will be decommissioned.
 
Founded on the heels of Ernst Steiner’s 1951 breakthrough in downsizing electrical capacitors using metallized plastic film, Steinerfilm officially planted its roots in Williamstown in 1972 as a sales and distribution hub. The operation quickly moved from a satellite office to full-scale manufacturing, launching domestic metallizing production in 1978 with custom German equipment and anchoring its supply chain in 1981 by acquiring its own polypropylene film line.
 
The company underwent a final major facility expansion in 1990. In its prime, the faciltiy employed nearly 200 people.

Tags: closure,   manufacturing,   

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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Scenic Country Farmhouse

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Are you looking for a home with pleasant views and enough room for a family or big get together? Then this is the home for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 365 Oblong Road.

Bucolic serenity surrounds you in this custom-built Federal reproduction. This three bedroom and three-and-a-half bath was built in 1995 and is 3,331 square feet with a little over five acres of land.

The house features Goshen stone steps leading to the home and wood flooring throughout with a brick fireplace and a heated sunroom that leads to a barn garage perfect for three cars or extra storage.

The property includes a bluestone patio great for grilling and having meals outside as well as a playground perfect for younger ones.

It is on the market for $1,300,000 and is listed by Terry Harron-Lamb with Double P General Contracting and Real Estate.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

Offering three to four bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms. The beautifully appointed kitchen with granite countertops and Viking range opens into a family room with wood burning fireplace. Impressive foyer to open living room and dining room. Lovely center stairway takes you to a spacious second floor. Exterior blue stone patio, with Goshen steps to entrance. The house is sited on 2.5 acres with an additional 2.5-acre adjacent lot.

What type of buyer do you see this home being perfect for?

This home fits many types of buyers. From a couple to a growing year-round family, also perfect for a weekend retreat.

Are there any standout design features?

The family room is enhanced by a Rumford fireplace. Designed in 1796 by physicist Sir Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford. Extremely efficient, it reflects more radiant heat directly into the living space rather than escaping up the chimney.

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