Adaptations and adjustments
I remember Controller Dennis Rogers giving me a tour of the Tambrands plant in Auburn many years ago when it had just ramped up production for its Pearl line of tampons. There was something utterly surreal about a dignified, middle-aged man enthusiastically ripping open what, in polite circles, is referred to as a feminine hygiene product, to demonstrate its superior construction. (My similarly dignified, middle-aged male photographer blanched.)
But when you get past the squeamishness, the work being done at the Procter & Gamble plant is remarkable. Not only has it trounced the competition domestically and internationally (in 2007 it acquired all the work being done at a P&G plant in Budapest) to become the single manufacturer of Tampax in North America, but it consistently employs 500 people and contributes mightily to Auburn’s tax base.
It also has made more subtle contributions. The plant historically has been managed by women of color, experimented with atypical staffing schedules and embraced environmentally friendly operations. Now it’s taken that openness to innovation a step further by committing to the hire of people with disabilities to staff its new FlexiCenter, as detailed in Staff Writer Rebecca Goldfine’s story, “Employing abilities,” starting on the cover. So far, the packaging operation, which opened in August, is a success for the employees and the company.
The story is part of our focus on my old stomping ground, Lewiston-Auburn. Having been a business reporter at the Sun Journal for five years, I got to know many of the community’s movers and shakers. One who always impressed me is Dan Thayer, CEO of Thayer Corp., an HVAC and alternative energy systems company in Auburn. In addition to running his company, Dan also found time to head up the Auburn Business Development Corp. and now chairs the Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council. So it especially pleased me to hear his company expects to double its volume of business this year, as some diversification gambles it made a couple of years ago pay off. See what’s going on in “Heating up,” starting on page 22. And on page 24, L/A Arts Executive Director Odelle Bowman shares how the arts are changing the area’s commercial heart.
Speaking of innovation, Senior Writer Jackie Farwell takes a look at how iPads are changing “business as usual” in companies throughout Maine. “The right touch,” starting on the cover, examines unusual ways some companies are using the devices to drive sales.
And speaking of right touches, Jackie has always impressed me with her deft writing and fabulous command of the English language. Apparently I’m not the only Maine editor who thinks so. Sadly, we’ll be bidding her adieu as she leaves Mainebiz to pursue opportunities with another publication. We wish her only the best. And hope she can be available for the occasional freelance assignment.
Carol Coultas
ccoultas@mainebiz.biz
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