CEI will use federal grant to help Biddeford manufacturer grow

Photo / Mainebiz archives Brunswick-based CEI has received $600,000 in federal funding to assist Biddford-based Junora Ltd. through its New Maine Manufacturing Project. The company makes advanced metallurgical products for the vacuum coating industry and is expected to add 30 jobs as a result of the funding, according to a news release from U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine District 1.

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By Staff

A Biddeford manufacturer will create 30 jobs as part of a program funded with federal assistance.

Junora Ltd., a maker of advanced metallurgical products for the vacuum coating industry, will create high-tech jobs with competitive wages, a full benefits package and tuition reimbursement to support professional advancement. Of the 30 jobs created, 23 will be filled by individuals with low incomes, according to a news release from U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine.

Under the plan, $600,000 in federal funding will be allocated to Brunswick-based CEI, which in turn will administer financing and assistance to Junora through its New Maine Manufacturing Project.

“This funding will help create good-paying manufacturing jobs in York County while maintaining the positive momentum of Biddeford’s redevelopment. I’m grateful to CEI and Junora for bringing this federal investment to Maine and for the many working families who will benefit from it,” said Pingree. “These are more than just jobs — they are the beginning of careers in a field of high demand. The difference this funding will make for low-income families is why I have so strongly fought for this program in Washington.”

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Community Economic Development Program. Pingree helped restore funding for the Community Economic Development Program, which faced elimination in the new budget.

Junora, which is based at 7 Pomerleau St. in Biddeford, manufactures specialty alloy sputtering targets used in various markets that utilize thin film coatings applied via vacuum deposition.

Earlier this year, CEI Ventures Inc., the for-profit arm of CEI, took a minority stake in Junora, investing $500,000. At that time, in April, the company had 12 employees, according to a CEI Ventures press release.