Kopin Corporation is moving forward with a significant expansion of its physical footprint in Westborough as it realigns its facilities to support increased domestic manufacturing. The provider of application-specific optical systems and high-performance microdisplays plans to establish a new headquarters while converting its current office hub into a dedicated production site.
Under the plan, Kopin will relocate its office functions into space at 75 North Dr. in Westborough, a building formerly occupied by MassTech. At the same time, the company intends to repurpose its existing headquarters facility at 125 North Dr., also in Westborough, from office use to manufacturing operations. Together, these moves are designed to expand the company’s U.S. manufacturing capacity and better align its physical plant with its technology roadmap.
The expansion is expected to require an investment of approximately $80 million. Kopin indicates that the project could generate up to 80 new jobs over the next five years as production ramps up. The additional headcount is tied to the company’s focus on scaling capabilities in microdisplays and related optical systems, particularly for applications where reliability and performance are critical.
Michael Murray, Kopin’s CEO, highlighted the role of MicroLED technology in driving the expansion. He noted that MicroLED is enabling new ways for soldiers and pilots to view critical information and for AI systems to move data. According to Murray, capital commitments in engineering talent, specialized equipment, and domestic manufacturing capacity are essential to capture those opportunities, and the company views its long-standing presence in Massachusetts as a strategic foundation.
Public-sector incentives are contributing to the project’s economics. The expansion is supported by an Investment Tax Credit of approximately $1.46 million through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Economic Development Incentive Program. In addition, Kopin is receiving an $800,000 grant via the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative. These incentives are structured to encourage advanced manufacturing investment and help defray a portion of the upfront cost associated with the facilities transition in Westborough.
As Kopin consolidates its corporate office functions in one Westborough address and transitions its original headquarters to a manufacturing role, the company is effectively reconfiguring its local real estate to align with long-term production needs. The combination of private capital outlay and targeted state support underscores the importance that both the company and the Commonwealth place on expanding high-value manufacturing and maintaining innovation activity in the region.
