1620 Workwear to Bring Manufacturing Back to East Boston, SharkNinja Launches Entrepreneurship Challenge
Amesbury-based 1620 Workwear is planning to relocate all of its clothing production to a new plant in East Boston within the next 12 to 18 months, while Needham’s SharkNinja is initiating an entrepreneurship contest aimed at fostering innovation.
De Innocentis, chief executive and largest shareholder of 1620 Workwear, cited recent bankruptcies among its manufacturing partners as a key driver for bringing production in-house, stating, “It’s important to secure our own destiny.” The company, known for its durable work apparel like $200 pants and $300 jackets, has seen revenue growth of around 20 percent annually, though not as rapid as during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This move towards domestic manufacturing allows for quicker design turnaround and reinforces the brand’s commitment to quality, a strategy that has resonated with consumers seeking American-made products. The “Made in America” label is increasingly important to consumers.
Meanwhile, SharkNinja, the company behind popular brands like Shark vacuums and Ninja blenders, is partnering with startup accelerator MassChallenge to launch the “SharkNinja Innovation Challenge.” Open to 18- to 24-year-olds, the contest invites submissions focused on solving consumer problems related to product accessibility and sustainability. Finalists will pitch their ideas in a “Shark Tank”-style format in March, with the top three receiving cash prizes up to $25,000 and all participants gaining mentorship and support. “I want SharkNinja to be known as a Boston innovation powerhouse,” said chief executive Mark Barrocas. MassChallenge has a strong track record of supporting early-stage companies.
In other Massachusetts business news, lobbying spending related to healthcare continues to rise, with the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans leading expenditures in the first half of 2025. This increase reflects ongoing uncertainty surrounding healthcare policy and funding, particularly in light of federal reimbursement changes. Officials say they expect continued debate on these issues in the coming months.
