Select Board backs sending edited letter supporting Methods Machine Tools’ foreign‑trade zone request

The Acton Select Board voted to send a board‑level letter endorsing Methods Machine Tools’ application to establish a foreign‑trade zone at 976 Main Street.

Economic development director Patricia Costa said Methods Machine Tools, a long‑established local manufacturer, imports machinery for customization and re‑export. Costa said tariffs on imported steel and aluminum‑based equipment have raised costs for the firm and that a foreign‑trade zone would permit duty deferral and potentially reduce near‑term tariff impacts while the company completes customization and resale. Methods’ controller, Kevin Sahoo, attended the meeting to answer questions.

Board members asked whether the foreign‑trade zone would allow the company to change its operations or expand its footprint; staff and the applicant said the request is focused on duty deferral for existing activities and that U.S. Customs and Border Protection review is part of the process and constrains changes in use. The board approved sending the drafted letter with minor edits to correct voice and to add a geographic example of suppliers.

The motion authorized the chair to send the letter on the board’s behalf and instructed staff to make the suggested edits before mailing. Supporters said the designation could help retain jobs and signal Acton’s business‑friendly posture to other manufacturers.

Actions: Board approved sending the edited letter of support to relevant state and federal authorities, with edits as recommended by board members and staff.