Two Wilmington Businesses Among Globe's Top 100

Charles River Laboratories International, UniFirst Corp. made the grade.

The Boston Globe has ranked the state’s top 100 publicly held companies by composite performance and two Wilmington companies made the list. UniFirst Corp. was the highest ranked at No. 22, 30 spots higher from it's No. 52 position on the 2012 list. Located on Jonspin Road, UniFirst is a "a leading supplier of uniforms, workwear and related products to businesses big and small since 1936," according to the company's website.  Charles River Laboratories International also made the list, at No. 51. The company did not make the list in 2012. Charles River Labs, located on Ballardvale Street, provides "tailored research models and laboratory animal support services, as well as preclinical and clinical support services, to help global partners …

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With T-Shirt Sales, Wilmington Company Proves to be 'Boston Strong'

Champion's Choice has raised nearly $10,000 through Boston Strong shirt sales that it will donate to the One Fund.

Like many residents throughout New England, when the Boston Marathon bombings occurred nearly two weeks ago, Kristie Crampton Cavanaugh and the employees at Champion’s Choice watched the horrific events unfold, feeling helpless. Since the time of tragedy, however, the Wilmington apparel company found a way to step up in a big way. Champion’s Choice, formerly located on Middlesex Ave. but currently operating on Jewel Drive, has raised over $9,000 in less than two weeks selling t-shirts featuring the now famous phrase “Boston Strong.” All proceeds from t-shirt purchases will go to benefit the One Fund, and the company is hoping that by May 1 they can amass $10,000 to donate to the organization. “It hit so close to home because there were so …

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Foghorn Leghorn

1:56 pm on Saturday, April 27, 2013

And another reason for all of us… well I say most of us to LOVE this beautiful.. l say great little town we live in…. Hey little lady… do you think I can get a couple of those there shirts in large… I say big Rooster size.. Girls as cute as a little kitten and very Patriotic …   more ›

Business Profile: Custom Iron Craft

This week we take a look at Custom Iron Craft and chat with owners Jonathan and Sherry Starkey.

Business Name: Custom Iron Craft Owner/Manager: Jonathan & Sherry Starkey Business Address: P.O. Box 612, Tewksbury, (workshop, 214 Andover St., Wilmington) Business Phone Number: 978-828-5781 Web Address: customironcraft.com Number of Employees: 4 How Long Have You Been In Business: 3 Years What Is Your Experience/Business Background: I have over 20 years of welding, fabricating and design experience in ornamental iron and welding. What Is Your Business Philosophy?: Each and every job is a reflection of ones self. What Is Your Favorite Part Of Your Job?: I enjoy seeing the finished product of what I have built, designed & installed. Then, to see the look on clients faces when they see it for the first time. It is a pretty special moment …

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Growth Continues for The Learning Experience

Wilmington's newest childcare facility, which opened over the summer, hopes to reach full capacity by year's end.

Though The Learning Experience has been open less than a year, Wilmington's newest childcare facility continues to grow. According to owner Vaishali Mitta, the center is running at almost full capacity in seven classrooms, and they will continue to open additional classrooms as more teachers and children join. Mitta hopes the center will be at full capacity by the end of 2013, and said that because of the growth, they are always looking for new hires. "There is a lot of activity," she said. "We are growing at a steady pace."

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Family Entertainment Complex Hopes to Serve Wilmington Customers

The indoor and outdoor recreation facility opened on Friday, including a snack bar, lazer tag, an arcade, mini golf and more.

The business is in Tewksbury, but its owners are hoping to see plenty of Wilmington faces. Merrimack Valley Pavilion officially opened on Friday, located at 2087 Main St., Tewksbury. It features a snack bar, Lazer Tag, an arcade, birthday party rooms and a mini-golf course. MVP is owned by Gary Brown, Bill D'Orlando and Steve Russo. Loretta Ryan has been hired as general manager to lead a staff of 35 full and part-time employees. "This is a business that will give our kids, and Wilmington's too, and families in town a fun, safe place to be and something that will draw others from surrounding towns," said Ryan. Tewksbury Patch Local Editor Bill Gilman was on hand Tuesday for the "soft opening" and captured the images above.

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Wilmington Company Hopes to Significantly Increase Battery Life

According to WCVB, Lilliputian believes it can create technology to keep cell phones and laptops powered up for up to two weeks.

If you're tired of your handheld devices losing their charge by day's end, a Wilmington company may eventually have a solution for you. According to a story on WCVB.com, Wilmington-based Lilliputian Systems believes it can create technology that would allow batteries on cell phones, laptops, tablets and other devices charged for up to two weeks. Mouli Ramani, a Lilliputian employee, told WCVB that the key to the potential creation is a solid oxide fuel cell that would extend battery length. "Imagine if this were embedded within the phone or my tablet or laptop," said Ramani. "You literally will have a phone that lasts for two weeks." The WCVB story continued to say that the idea for the technology was developed at the Massachusetts …

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When is Pacific Grove Opening for Business?

On Sunday, we provided you with an update on the grand opening of the Chinese restaurant that will replace Royal Dynasty.

Pacific Grove Opening Expected by Month's End

The Chinese restaurant formerly known as Royal Dynasty remains under construction, but should open its doors soon.

The wait for the opening of the restaurant previously known as Royal Dynasty isn’t quite over. But it’s getting close. According to Victor Hui, the owner of what will be known as Pacific Grove, said he expects his Lowell Street restaurant to open its doors by the end of January. Royal Dynasty closed in September after Hui, who also owns a Chinese food restaurant in North Reading, took over ownership of the business. The original plan was to re-open by the end of 2012, but the building needed more work than initially anticipated. “We’re excited, but it’s been a lot of work on the building,” said Hui. “We want to make sure things are just right, which is why it’s taking longer.” Hui said there is no definitive grand opening date set as of …

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J.R.

6:30 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

I haven't been to Pacific Grove yet and I have to disagree with you on Kowloon, but there are some great places in Chinatown in Boston, and All Seasons Table in Malden is well worth the 25 minute ride. Needless to say, these are not useful for takeout.   more ›

What Wilmington Business Were You Sad to See Close in 2012?

During these economic times, businesses come and go all the time. Tell us which ones you were sad to see go in the comments section below.

It was another year of welcomes and farewells for Wilmington businesses. Among the local shops to close their doors were The Donut Shop, Kendra and Anthony's and K&A Cones. Though it won't officially close until after the New Year, it was recently confirmed to Patch that Staples will also be joining the list of businesses that will shut its doors. The Wilmington branch of the chain will close on January 4 as one of 30 across North America to close in an effort to focus on online retail and improve Staples' profitability. Despite that list of business closings, there was also good news in town. Several businesses also opened their doors, including Fro-Yo to Go, the announced opening of Rizzo's, a new Dunkin' Donuts, and Heav'nly Donuts. …

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