Maine’s business community proves itself time and again as innovative and resourceful. There are daily challenges, such as finding capital and qualified workers. But these are the companies that are attracting investment, growing revenue, hiring and building or expanding.
Vets First Choice, Portland
Founded in 2010 in Portland, the company has more than 750 employees in the United States and 5,100 veterinary practices that use its prescription-management platform. In April, it announced plans to merge with Henry Schein Animal Health, which is expected to become a publicly traded company.
WEX Inc., South Portland
Maine’s second largest publicly traded company, with annual sales of $1.25 billion, has also shown a strong commitment to the area. The provider of fleet payment cards is building a new headquarters on east end of Portland that will house several hundred workers, while keeping its existing site in South Portland.
Fluid Imaging Technologies, Scarborough
It’s nearly daily occurrence that you hear about an algae bloom or red tide. Here’s the company that makes a water testing system, FlowCam, that’s sold to municipalities around the world.
Hussey Seating Co., North Berwick
This sixth-generation business had $100 million in revenue last year, and has installed seats for the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, MLB’s Kansas City Royals and NBA’s Chicago Bulls, to name just a few customers. If you’ve sat in a high school gym, chances are 50-50 you were sitting on Hussey seats.
Tilson Technology, Portland
Based in a new headquarters in Portland, Tilson specializes in deployment systems. Simply put, a Verizon or T-Mobile provides your phone service, but Tilson develops the cell towers and antennas and keeps the systems running. It also provides data services and supply chain solutions. Tilson has more than 400 employees, about half of whom are veterans.
Apothecary By Design, Portland
Founded in 2008, days before the economy crashed, ABD’s expertise is in specialty drugs used to treat HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and autoimmune disorders. It was recognized two straight years by Mainebiz as Maine’s fastest-growing large company. In January, it was sold to CVS Health, but remains based in Portland.
IDEXX Laboratories Inc., Westbrook
Maine’s largest publicly traded company has made a name in the field of veterinary diagnostics. IDEXX, which had sales of $1.96 billion in 2017, has more than 7,000 employees worldwide. But it redoubled its commitment to Maine, investing $60 million in its expansion at the Westbrook headquarters.
Maine Beer Co., Freeport
Another company founded in the recession, Maine Beer has managed to stand out in a crowded field of craft breweries. It has expanded its brewing facility and expects to produce 18,000 barrels this year. But it’s not the quantity that should be noted. It’s the special edition brews that generate the most interest, garnering lines of hundreds people even on the coldest winter days.
Front Street Shipyard, Belfast
Founded in 2011 by a group of boatbuilders, boatyard operators and materials experts, Front Street offers a combination of boat construction, refits and maintenance. Its continual expansion has been a boon to the city of Belfast as well, creating jobs but also bringing in yacht crews to local establishments. Front Street plans another $4.6 million expansion to be completed this fall.
Cousins Maine Lobster, Saco
In what is now an oft-repeated story, Cousins’ founders pooled $20,000 then made their mark on “Shark Tank” in 2012, garnering a $55,000 investment from Barbara Corcoran. Through the food truck and restaurant business, sales topped $20 million by 2016. Now the company has 28 food trucks around the nation, from Atlanta to San Diego, and four restaurants. It has plans to expand in Taiwan, where it will open three restaurants.