Candle company relocates to town

By Matthew Bernat
Turley Publications Reporter

STURBRIDGE – Enthusiastic Planning Board members unanimously endorsed the arrival of a candle manufacturing company last week.
The board approved a site plan waiver for Mole Hollow Candles, whose owners are hoping to start operations by spring or early summer. The waiver included a site plan approval for light manufacturing operations and accessory use of 1,000 square feet of retail store space.
The company would be located at 208 Charlton Road in a building formerly occupied by local business All Star Marketing.
“This would be a nice, clean manufacturing operation for that district,” Town Planner Jean Bubon said. The area is already zoned for such use.
Bubon said the owners of Mole Hollow Candle, David and Beth Dunn, approached her last summer. Shortly after, they performed a walk through of the building with the fire chief and other officials to inspect and assess the structure.
The Dunns told board members their company specializes in dipped candles and typically employs 12 people. Mole Hollow products are distributed throughout the United States and Canada. Also, the Whole Foods supermarket chain is a large customer of the candle company the Dunns noted.
The couple founded the company in 1969 with headquarters originally located in Leverett, Mass. In 1983, they relocated to Shelburne Falls, Mass. In addition to manufacturing they said they plan to use the space in front of the building for retail sales of first run items and other accessories.
The announcement had board members glad for the prospect of a new business in town.
“We’re very happy to have you here,” said board member Penny Dumas.
“Where excited to be here,” Mr. Dunn said.

Permit extension for Picker Realty

The Planning Board voted unanimously to renew a site plan approval for construction of a 20,000 square foot building for industrial use at 51 Technology Park Road.
Daniel Prouty, a Charlton resident, of One Picker Realty Trust, will be constructing the building.
The permit needed renewal because no work had been done at the site since the permit was first secured.
“By the time we got the permit the economy went into a free fall,” Prouty said to explain the lack of progress.
He did not expect to begin work until May 1. He said the recession has resulted in strict regulations regarding loans and financing for such projects, which might hamper the construction process.
“I can’t guarantee there will be a building there two years from today,” he said.
Bubon said nothing had changed in the plans and told the board she recommended passing the motion. She noted Prouty would not need to return for a renewal if any construction work is done before the next deadline.