Factory floors: Manufacturing stories from 2024
RENDERING / COURTESY, UNIVERSITY OF MAINE
UMaine’s “factory of the future” research lab, shown here in a rendering, broke ground earlier this year.
It’s no surprise that, when it comes to manufacturing, Maine has an affinity for the woods and water — and innovation.
Forest and seaweed products are frequent headliners. Manufacturers range from solo start-ups to giant shipbuilders the size of small cities. “Innovation” is the buzz. But then, “heritage” industries are much respected. There are always opportunities for growth, but challenges also loom. Here’s a selection of stories, with links, published in 2024.
Forest products
TimberHP strikes deal to expand its insulation products into Canada
Making innovative forest products is focus of $1.6M grant for 3 Maine companies
USDA grant will help UMaine team turn forest products into jet fuel, fish feed
Ocean-friendly
Kittery startup awarded producer grant to develop skin care products using kelp
Maine seaweed and grain processors awarded $1M in federal funding
Orono startup gets $1M grant for development of ocean-friendly packaging
Oyster company spins off eco-friendly packaging venture to reduce plastic waste
Big deals
UMaine breaks ground on $82M ‘factory of the future
BIW is building a workforce via apprenticeships, other initiatives
Biddeford-based Fiber Materials Inc. to be sold for $165M to NC defense contractor
A year after major restructuring, Puritan Medical Products is hiring again
General Dynamics plant in Saco wins $191M Army contract, adding 20 jobs
Lewiston-based Elmet Technologies turns to Aussie miner to strengthen tungsten supply chain
Navy shipyard in Kittery adds record-high boost to region's economy
Niche
Craft maker of ‘potions and lotions’ expands with second Kennebec County store
Blue Ox opens bigger Lisbon Falls malthouse to make a key craft beer ingredient
These guys know rope: The Rope Guru finds success in a niche market
Hussey Seating says it's closed a record year, with 34% revenue growth
$15M investment will boost efficiency at Brewer auto component plant
At Brunswick Landing, manufacturer STARC plans to build new plant
A leg up
Latest capital round in hand, rocket-maker bluShift looks to start commercial launches in 2025
From the Cold War to high tech: Behind the scenes at TechPlace, Brunswick’s business incubator
New plant in Old Town will make shipping containers that thwart threats
Buckle in
Nearly 1,000 products sold in Maine contain dangerous 'forever' chemicals
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