A sampling of Worcester-based industries
Polar Corporation is New England's largest independent soft drink manufacturer. It makes and distributes sodas under its own brand name, as well as for some national brands and private store labels. Polar's origins lie with the J. G. Bieberbach Company, which began operations in 1882.

The R.J. Toomey Company, founded by brothers Richard J. and Lawrence T. Toomey, has made clerical apparel for roughly sixty years. The company is a leader in the industry, with products distributed internationally. The majority of employees are women. It is still family owned and operated.

Harvey J. Frem founded the company that is now Epic in 1951 to process the woolen waste from local textile manufacturers. After developing several branches of production, the main focus became plastic housewares. Epic Company continues to make plastic containers for home and office.

Parker Metal, established in 1922, makes a variety of wire products including nails and screws, household hardware, picture hanging accessories, shopping carts, and--a recent addition--threaded nails used to make wooden shipping pallets.

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