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Gencorp

Formerly General Tire Company, GenCorp is now best known for its GDX Automotive and Aerojet-General Corporation subsidiary which primarily manufactures extruded and molded rubber body and window seals. Auto manufacturers account for more than 70% of sales while the federal government and its contractors account for another 22%.

Due to economic conditions in 1981, GenCorp closed its Lawrence, MA location. Upon discovering the plan to sell the plant as an intact manufacturing facility was not feasible, an alternative closing plan was developed to dispose of the manufacturing equipment, assess the environmental concerns, and to address other regulatory, compliance, safety and community issues. This required input from many regulatory agencies and interested parties.

The Liberty Square Group worked with GenCorp as it implemented its re-use plan. The strategic planning process identified common needs and defined options. The City of Lawrence and other groups have accepted the plan, and it is considered an important element in a comprehensive redevelopment initiative, The Lawrence Gateway Project, currently undergoing implementation. The Project is unique and located in an economically disadvantaged region.

The Liberty Square Group developed and implemented a communications and outreach plan geared to a wide range of audiences including city departments, public interest groups, civic groups, elected officials, medical groups, regulatory agencies, and the community at large. That plan included:

· Permitting within a wide range of regulatory agencies.

· Identifying and discussing with key agencies’ leaders during their decision-making processes.

· Developing strategies to anticipate direction of evolving regulations with discussions prior to enactment.

· Media presentations.

· Obtaining funding for ongoing project.

· Liaison to elected and appointed officials.

· Informational training sessions.

· Bilingual information.