Derek Volk, the CEO of Volk Packaging, expects “more growth in 2026,” but he continues to sound the theme that “Maine continues to be a be an extremely challenging state to do business.”
Derek Volk, CEO of Volk Packaging Corp., has been a vocal critic of the state’s business policies and regulations.
The Biddeford manufacturer of corrugated boxes expects “more growth in 2026,” but he continues to sound the theme that “Maine continues to be a be an extremely challenging state to do business.”
Even with the context of trade tariffs and the effect on the U.S. economy, Volk zeroes in on the state’s own impact on business growth.
“I am optimistic but very concerned. The economy is sluggish, somewhat driven by the tariff war, but sales were up slightly year over year. We are projecting more growth in 2026,” he says. “However, Maine continues to be an extremely challenging state to do business. The powers that be in Augusta seem to have no idea how difficult they make it for businesses to stay, and thrive, in our great state.”
Despite the external factors, the company invested in two state-of-the-art machines and Volk says it continues to focus on its employees, customers and giving back to the community.
“All of our customers are in New England, mostly in Maine, so we need a strong local economy,” Volk says. “We depend on companies staying in Maine, and even moving to Maine. This state has so much to offer yet we continue to fall short of our potential. Regardless of what hurdles we have to jump over that are put in our way by Augusta, I believe our best years are ahead of us.”
