innovation award

This week, Columbia Tech, the product development and contract manufacturing subsidiary of Coghlin Companies, received the Innovation Award at Westborough Economic Development Committee’s Second Annual Year in Review Celebratory Event. The event provided a unique perspective on the crucial relationship between municipal leadership and local business development. The Westborough EDC presented awards to businesses of all sizes, including Columbia Tech, who was named Innovator of the Year. Along with special guest speaker Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, emcee and EDC Chairwoman Deborah Penta interwove themes of gratitude and support for Westborough businesses, drawing connections between business and family prosperity. From “New Small Business” winner, Yummy Mummy Bakery, to “Company to Watch” winner, Simplivity, the EDC was able to recognize a diverse spectrum of business sizes and types. After hearing award winners’ acceptance speeches, it was clear that Westborough’s recent prosperity can be attributed at least in part to the committee’s economic development initiatives.

The final award given out —Innovator of the Year—was reserved for Columbia Tech and the Coghlin family. Columbia Tech provides engineering design, manufacturing, global fulfillment, and aftermarket services to innovation leaders in the life-science, pharmaceutical, bio-discovery, alternative energy, semiconductor, power management, LED, medical device, data storage, defense, homeland security, and digital and molecular imaging industries. As President and CEO Chris Coghlin accepted the award, he humbly articulated the core values of Coghlin Companies, attributing the success of the 130-year-old family business to its Caring Associates, nearly all of whom are residents of Westborough and the surrounding communities. Before stepping down from the podium, Coghlin committed to further expansion and support of the local economy, revealing the company’s expansion to an additional manufacturing facility in Westborough in 2016.