The facility was established by George Crompton, whose father William had invented the first power loom for weaving fancy fabrics.

The younger Crompton's business would become of the most significant employers in the city, and his innovative looms would revolutionize the textile industry.

Capabilities at the Green Street facility included machining, drop hammer forging, a cast iron foundry (which also produced ductile and malleable iron castings), wood working, and pattern making, along with a materials testing lab.

[2] The Crompton Loom Works is located south of downtown Worcester, at the junction Green and Harrison Streets.

When first built, the main building was only two stories tall, and was altered several times, with the tower and third floor added in the 1880s.