NASHUA – MakeIt Labs – the state’s first and largest volunteer-run, membership-funded maker space – held a grand opening ceremony on Thursday, when Gov. Maggie Hassan joined members and the board of directors to cut the ribbon on a new facility at 25 Crown St.

The new building, just down the road from the group’s first location, more than triples the square footage available for tinkering and crafting by members of the nonprofit organization. Adam Shrey, director, said the move became necessary as the company continued to grow.

"It’s been a lot of work, but we outgrew the old space, and we’re excited to see where it goes from here," Shrey said. "Now, we’re focused on fundraising. We’ve actually been making ends meet since the second year, but with the expansion we could use some support."

To facilitate this fundraising, MakeIt labs will participate in a state program that allows donor businesses to declare a donation as a tax credit. The tax credit, according to Shrey, would mean that donations to the labs are made at a post-tax cost of 11 cents on the dollar, but donations must be made by March 31.

John White, who has been a member of MakeIt labs for nearly two years, attended the grand opening and sometimes spends as much as 60 hours a week there. He said he loves the community MakeIt Labs has provided.

"I’ve had members teach me things, like how to weld," he said. "I’ve gotten to learn a lot just watching other people do things. People should come down, talk to the members, and see what they can do here."

The facility features woodworking tools, welding equipment, 3-D printers and laser cutters, as well as an automotive lift. According to Stephen Abodeely of the MakeIt Labs board of directors, moving to the new space is just the beginning.

"We’re hoping to make the back of the building into a co-working space, where people can rent an office area and move back and forth between work and their projects," he said. "We’re also looking at uses for the second floor of the building. We want to make the most of this new space."

Chris Egan, member and welding resource manager, said that coming to MakeIt Labs has been both a learning and growing opportunity.

"I joined here because I needed to weld," he said. "I managed to teach myself. Then about eight months ago we came up with this idea of having managers on hand to help out the board of directors, and I offered my time to help. I’m happy to see us growing. There is an awesome group of people running this place. The equipment brings you in, but the people make it worth it. I’ve learned a lot."

MakeIt Labs is open for membership to any who wish to join, and memberships can be purchased on a monthly basis with no registration fee required or penalty for cancellation. For more information visit, www.makeitlabs.com.

Matthew Medsger can be reached at 594-6531, mmedsger@nashua
telegraph.com or on Twitter at @Telegraph_MattM.