Amber Lambke, co-founder and CEO of Maine Grains, says the company is purchasing a state-of-the-art extrusion line from Germany, capable of producing grain-based cereals, bars, snacks and specialty ingredients.
The Maine Grains building — situated in the heart of Skowhegan in the old 14,000-square-foot former Somerset County prison — has in recent years become something of a business hub.
Amber Lambke, co-founder and CEO of Maine Grains, says the company is purchasing a state-of-the-art extrusion line from Germany, capable of producing grain-based cereals, bars, snacks and specialty ingredients, with delivery expected in January.
Amber Lambke, co-founder and CEO of Maine Grains, is monitoring profit margins. FILE PHOTO / TIM GREENWAY
While tariffs will result in an estimated 15% increase in what the consumer pays for Maine Grains products, the impact is significantly less than initially anticipated.
“While we are not currently planning sweeping price increases, we are closely monitoring margins due to increases in packaging, transportation and tariffs,” says Lambke.
Plans to construct a building on the empty lot next door that would house the Skowhegan Farmers’ Market have been tabled for now.
Lambke cited the rising cost of construction materials and “the significant gap between construction cost and new building valuations in rural Maine.”
