Massachusetts Robotics Firm Gets Subzone Status in FTZ 27

FTZ News: The Foreign-Trade Zones Board has approved subzone status for a Persimmon Technologies facility in Bedford, Massachusetts, allowing the company to use FTZ procedures once the site is activated.

The Massachusetts Port Authority, which serves as the grantee of FTZ 27, applied for the designation on the company’s behalf. The application was docketed August 28. The Board’s executive secretary approved Subzone 27U on November 2. The site covers 3.27 acres at 35 Crosby Drive.

No production authority was requested. The approval is subject to the zone’s existing 129-acre activation limit. Public comment was invited in a September Federal Register notice. The final decision does not mention any comments received.

Persimmon builds vacuum robots used in semiconductor, LED and flat-panel equipment. It is part of Japan’s Sumitomo Heavy Industries group. The company recently moved into a larger headquarters and manufacturing space in Bedford that includes cleanrooms. The subzone must still be activated separately before the company can use FTZ procedures. The notice does not say when or whether that step is planned./.