Defense
Maine has a proud history of supporting national defense. In the air, on land, on the seas, or in the stars, Maine’s defense community is here to help safeguard American interests abroad.
Beyond the traditional bullets, bombs, and band aids that are stereotypically associated with the sector, Maine has a uniquely diverse defense cluster, which includes small manufacturers of innovative products and experts consulting in a variety of safety and security areas including search and rescue, offshore wind, and port security.
Defense supply chain employs over 20,000 Mainers
More than 150 Maine companies sell directly into the defense supply chain
US defense market is expected to experience steady growth in the next few years
Workforce Development
Maine Defense Industry Alliance (MDIA) is a collaborative effort between government agencies, educational institutions, and industry partners to address the workforce needs of Maine’s defense industry.
Economic Impact
The defense cluster in Maine has strong economic linkages with other sectors. Every 100 direct jobs created in the defense industry supports another 99 jobs in the Maine economy.
The Maine defense cluster generated $8.4 billion (10% of the total Maine GDP) in economic output in 2022.
Elmet Technologies Collaboration with Australian Tungsten Supplier
Elmet Technologies has agreed to a collaboration with an Australian tungsten supplier that’s expected to strengthen the Western industrial base and supply chain for the metal.
Elmet serves customers and applications that include defense, aerospace, medical, semiconductor, and industrial furnace. With three manufacturing facilities, it is the only 100% U.S.-owned producer of pure tungsten and related tungsten alloys.
Elmet has occupied the same location in Lewiston since 1929. The company has customers around the world.
Howell Laboratories Buys ODAT Machine and Eyes Expansion
Howell Laboratories, a U.S. Navy and Coast Guard contractor, has purchased ODAT Machine with expansion plans to add employees in both locations.
In business for 60 years, Howell develops and sells equipment for surface ships like aircraft carriers and destroyers. The company sends workers to Bath Iron Works to start up equipment on new ships, and sometimes even gets emergency calls from ships at sea. ODAT, founded in 1992, manufactures parts for Navy submarines and hopes to expand its business with shipyards.
Army Licenses Ambidextrous Gun Holster to Maine-based Company
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Soldier Center has granted a non-exclusive commercial patent license to Maine-based Down East Innovation for the manufacture of ambidextrous holsters for handgun systems. The holster must integrate safety features and permit left or right-side placement.
Down East Innovation is a manufacturer of injection molded tactical gear. The company typically manufacturers products of its own design, but has also built tooling, prototypes, and parts to government specifications.
Innovative Shelter Protects Soldiers
The Expeditionary Shelter Protection System (ESPS) produced by Compotech is an innovative solution that ensures the safety of soldiers from blast and ballistic threats. The design is composed of state-of-the-art panel armor technology strategically placed for optimum safety and protection.
Lightweight and Reliable Breaching Kit
Internationally recognized for forced entry tools and training aids, Rapid Assault Tools manufactures lightweight, portable breaching tools for fire departments, police departments, SWAT teams, and military units. Four engineered tools are powered by a compact, reliable battery-powered hydraulic pump.
Is Your Company ITAR Compliant?
ITAR compliance refers to the regulations established by the US Department of State to control the export, import, and transfer of defense-related items and services and protect sensitive military technologies and knowledge. Any organization involved in manufacturing, exporting, importing, or brokering defense articles, services, or technical data, including defense contractors, aerospace companies, and those providing defense-related services, must comply with ITAR. “ITAR compliant” means a company has completed ITAR registration and implemented a compliance program.
Industry Support
Offers comprehensive one-on-one assistance for small and medium-sized manufacturers in Maine on everything from safety credentials to product development to cyber security
Coordinates growth of defense-related businesses across the six states within the New England region using an approach built around collaboration and multidisciplinary solutions to address the challenges identified by the New England defense manufacturing sector
Formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP), provides the education and training to ensure that all businesses become capable of participating in federal, state, and local government contracts
Member organization representing 300+ defense communities and states to advance issues that build strong communities and strengthen the ability for service members to defend our nation
Non-partisan, non-profit, educational association founded to provide a platform through which leaders in government, industry, and academia can collaborate and provide solutions to advance the national security and defense needs of the nation
Strengthen the defense sector and bolster our national security by connecting, partnering with, and convening leaders across industry and government