Manufacturing
Manufacturing – making products and adding value to raw materials – is a foundation of Maine’s heritage and continues to play a critical role in the state’s economic well-being.
Maine is an excellent location for manufacturing with available shipping (truck, rail, and ship) to move raw materials into Maine, as well as export finished goods. While emerging companies tend to be smaller and use high-tech precision production, the manufacturing sector in Maine remains strong, continuing to evolve and innovate.
$3 billion in Maine goods exported to international markets annually
Maine’s top exports include seafood, aircraft parts, semiconductors, and forest products
Approximately 1,800 Maine manufacturers employ over 57,000 workers
Advanced manufacturing plays an important role in Maine’s economy generating over $6.2 billion dollars in annual GDP, driving innovation, supporting exports, and creating high-quality jobs across many sectors including advanced materials and composites, aerospace and defense, boat building and marine technology, biotech and medical devices, blue and forest bioeconomy, and food and beverage.
UMaine Expansions Push R&D in Manufacturing and Aquaculture
Two new advanced facilities at University of Maine are designed to expand opportunities for research, workforce development and industry collaboration. The 50,000-square-foot Green Engineering and Materials (GEM) building will be home to the college’s Factory of the Future. In addition to providing an immersive learning environment for students across the university system, the facility will provide a large-format hybrid manufacturing test bed for entrepreneurs and established businesses.
$5M Grant to Boost Manufacturing Workforce
More than 600 Maine community college students will receive $2,400 stipends to train for manufacturing jobs through a $5 million grant awarded to Maine through a U.S. Small Business Administration program. Jobs in manufacturing are in high demand in Maine and provide good wages and benefits.
Maine Manufacturer Strikes Deals to Secure Tungsten Supply
Following a $450 million investment from the U.S. government, Elmet Group has struck two deals to secure supplies of tungsten, a heat-resistant, extremely hard metal used in industries from defense to aerospace. One agreement with a UK-based firm secures a long-term supply of tungsten concentrate from a mine in Devon, England. A separate agreement acquires an equity stake in a Vietnam-based company, expanding a commercial relationship that goes back a dozen years.
Industrial Manufacturer Adds to Global Footprint with German Deal
Maine-based Southworth International Group Inc. has added a German company to reinforce its market leadership in the material-handling business in Europe. With locations in North America, Europe, and China, the company has 500 employees worldwide and customers in more than 60 countries.
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
Non-profit organization provides legislative advocacy, scholarship programs, career connections for students and job seekers, and networking opportunities and events
Partners with Maine companies to equip the workforce with essential tech skills and advance research and development
Full time staff of mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, machinists, and technicians in a 30,000 square foot state of the art design and manufacturing facility offers services to accelerate growth and add value