WELCOME!
Welcome to the "Manufacturing Matters" e-newsletter!
Please send company news to info@mainemfg.com. Enjoy!
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What’s Happening at MAMe?
New Members: Please welcome our newest members to MAMe!
The Buying Networks, LLC Bow, NH
Michael Silver, CEO
Providing businesses with buying power.
www.tbn.us
DP Industries, Inc. North Vassalboro, ME
Curt Dugal, President
Paint paddles, garden stakes and wooden & plastic flatware.
www.dpind.com
NEXT Level Business Coaching Auburn, ME
Kurk Lalamand, President
Straight forward business advice - simple clear and direct.
www.nextlevelbusinesscoaching.biz
The MAMe Business Services Division:
Business Growth Services (BGS)….How do we support private sector in Maine? I always ask if you, as business owners, are getting a ROI on your investment in publicly funded programs and services. Looking towards the future of manufacturing and the development of business services for members, it is clear that
supporting private sector services is a great return on investment. For example, a publically funded provider comes to your business and offers you “free” training or professional services. This often results in inadequate services or lack of understanding of your real needs. Most funded programs have parameters on how and what the funds can be spent on and most likely, it is not what the companies need.
Make the most of your MAMe membership. I would encourage you to engage BGS as a growth resource for your companies. For more information call MAMe at 854-2153 or email info@mainemfg.com
Education and Training: Maine Industry Partnership Initiative/Sector Development: The Manufacturers Roundtable for Education and Training: The MAMe and members of the Board and Education Committee will present the Industry Partnership model to the Governor in December. Watch for more information or call 854-2153.
Cluster/Sector Development:
HIGH PERFORMANCE TEXTILE CLUSTER: MAMe has been awarded a $50,000 Feasibility Study grant from MTI for the High Performance, Advanced Textile Manufacturing Industry. We have hired John Dubois, Optimize, Inc. as the project consultant. We will survey and assess the companies in Maine to better understand the supply chain, vertical integration, branding/marketing and education and training challenges of this industry.
MEDICAL DEVICE MANUFACTURING CLUSTER: MAMe, BAM and USM continue to collaborate on this vital manufacturing sector. In the coming months, we will evaluate the feasibility study findings and plan for a large scale implementation project.
Compliance Plus Program: MAMe met with the staff at DEP, Bureau of Labor Standards and Secretary of State's Offices to present the Compliance Plus Program. The model of Compliance services will assist members on how to become and sustain compliance within the company.
Business Insurance Services: MAMe Paradigm Health Plan has rolled out the new Paradigm Health Plan. We currently have several members signing up! We can also arrange for company meetings with Walker Winslow, Paradigm Health Consultants. If you want more information, please call us at 207-854-2153 or email info@mainemfg.com
Member Group Programs:
Legal Shield (formally Pre-Paid Legal Services) —Mark Michaud, Legal Shield Account Representative. Mark will continue to provide MAMe members with Legal Shield programs and services. If interested, please contact MAMe directly for referral.
Constellation New Energy---Energy Purchasing Power Buying Program for MAMe members! Many members are using CNE and can testify on the savings of electricity costs on a long term basis. FTI—call Peter Ingraham, P: (207) 767-6550, C: (207) 233-7263 or E: peter.ingraham@constellation.com. Don’t spend more than you have to—call Peter today!
Marketing Manufacturing:
MAMe Marketing Committee is working on a marketing plan that will impact the perception and image and engage students and educators, workforce development system and key decision makers in Maine. Stay tuned for more of this exciting plan!
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Thomas Moser Tour
On November 17, 2011 MAMe and JMQC hosted a tour of Thos. Moser in Auburn. The attendees were greeted at the entrance to the facility – a cozy showroom full of Thos. Moser furniture models. The staff welcomed us to test it out and many did just that, taking the opportunity to kick up their feet and relax in some of the featured Thos. Moser chairs on display.
After a brief introduction the group was treated to an informative tour that explored the manufacturing process of the furniture at Thos. Moser. From wood selection to finishing, the group got an up-close look at what makes the Thos. Moser brand so exceptional. Dinner and a company presentation wrapped up the evening.
MAMe and JMQC hosts a tour each month at a different manufacturing facility in Maine. This is a great opportunity to meet other manufacturers and see different processes. Do not miss out! Visit our calendar of events to view some of our upcoming events!
(left) Jane Lombard, L.A.W. Calibration (right) Jay Casavant, Vantage Point Recruiting lounge on some featured Thomas Moser Furniture.
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Members in the News
Elmet Technologies acquires Washington firm
MAMe member Elmet Technologies Inc. has acquired a precision manufacturer in Washington and China.
The acquisition of JEVCO International expands Elmet's portfolio of products to companies in the aerospace, semiconductor, medical and other industries, according to a press release from the company. Elmet will benefit from JEVCO's experience in the aerospace industry to expand its ETI Precision subsidiary, launched in 2010, which precision-machines specialty metals in Gordonsville, Tenn.
General Dynamics Awarded Machine Gun Contract
General Dynamics has been awarded a $6.9 million contract to build machine guns for the U.S. Army at its facility in Saco, which employs 400. GD's Armament and Technical Products division will build 600 M2 heavy-barrel machine guns for the Army's Life Cycle Managment Command, according to the Bangor Daily News.
-Original Article can be found in Mainebiz Magazine Volume 17 No. 25.
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Upcoming Events
MAMe 2011-2012 Tour/Seminar Season
Please check our calendar of events regularly for new events. All members are welcomed and encouraged to attend these events!
DECEMBER
Dec 8th: MAMe and JMQC Seminar: Evonik Cyro LLC
Time: 5:00PM-7:30PM Location: Evonik Cyro - 1796 Main Street, Sanford
Dec 14th: JMQC Montly Meeting Tour: Shipyard Brewery
Time: 4:00PM-7:00PM Location: Shipyard Brewery, 86 Newbury Street, Portland, ME
JANUARY 2012
Jan 11th - March 7th: APICS MOD III: Certified Production and Inventory Management Course
Time: 5:00 PM-7:30 PM Location: Sappi Fine Paper, 179 John Roberts Road, South Portland, ME
Jan 12th - March 1st: APICS MOD II: Certified Production and Inventory Management Course
Time: 5:00 PM-7:30 PM Location: IDEXX Laboratories, 1 Idexx Drive, Westbrook, ME
Online: APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Instructor Led Course
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Business Succession Planning Seminar
On November 30, 2011 MAMe hosted Business Succession Planning Seminar at the Cumberland Club in Portland. The event addressed the concerns many companies face with succession or exit planning for their business. Our speakers included Rick Abbondanza, Hopkinson & Abbondanza; David Jean, Albin, Randall & Bennett; Grey Terry, Simmon Wilkes Investment Advisor Team at High Tower Securities and Peter Moore, Maine Corporate Finance Associates. The panel of speakers spoke to attendees about the importance of mapping out a successful succession plan that protects assets, maximizes business value and prepares for the impacts and risks companies might face.
Please check the MAMe calendar of events for future sessions on Business Succession Planning that will explore:
• Strategies- types of business transfers
• Elements of purchase and sales agreements
• Due diligence process and preparation
• Transition issues- management styles, information systems and culture
• Post closing risks
Thank you to our sponsors High Tower Advisors, Hopkinson & Abbondanza, Albin, Randall & Bennett and Corporate Finance Associates for making this event possible!
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Manufacturers Association of Maine Gets Involved in National Manufacturing Agenda
The Presidents Council on Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) hosted a Northeast Regional Meeting of a Working Group on Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP) at MIT in Cambridge on Monday, November 28th.
Industry, educators and government officials attended the day-long conference to discuss areas of technology development, education and workforce development, facility and infrastructure sharing and policies for creating a vibrant and growth environment for manufacturing in the US. MAMe attended the event along with John Belding, UM/AMC, Mike Wing, USM/MAC and Bill Emhiser, President of Maine Manufacturing in Sanford. Maine’s involvement in the areas of development is on target with what the MAMe is launching including the Maine Industry Partnership/Sector Strategy and Cluster Development. Officials from the White House, National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), National Science Foundation (NSF) and others presented on resources and partnerships that will be used to develop a national agenda on advanced manufacturing.
For more information go to: http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ostp/pcast
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14 Graduate from Portland Adult Education’s Job-Readiness Program
The Manufacturers Association of Maine, in partnership with Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) and Adult Education, provided a “New Mainer Lean Training” for Portland and Lewiston Adult Education programs. The training, designed by Ron Cote, Axillar, LLC, a BGS provider, was focused on the American manufacturing culture that included the Lean concept and how it engages workers in the manufacturing process.
As part of our ongoing outreach for skilled workers, MAMe and Adult Education are collaborating on class content and acclimation of entry-level workers.
On October 28th, 14 students graduated from Portland Adult Education’s Job Class Program, a pre-employment training designed to prepare refugee and immigrant job seekers for the US workforce.
During 7 weeks of intensive class time, the 14 graduates received training in US workplace culture, on-the-job communication, interviewing and basic computer skills. The students received a certificate listing their skills and competencies, which included a 2-hour orientation on OSHA standards
In addition to in-class instruction, the students will receive continued support as they begin applying to work in the Portland area. The students have experience in manufacturing, warehouse, healthcare, education and hospitality. Their countries of origin include Rwanda, Burundi, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan.
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What's Happening in the MEAA?
By: Rich Grich, MEAA + Cluster Director
Our thanks to MITC, Annette Bossler, for presenting MEAA capabilities to Embraer Air and others on their South American Trade Mission. Annette has provided me with Embraer’s Supplier Capabilities Survey. My initial distribution will be to our members who are AS9100 and ISO certified members who are also ITAR certified. ITAR certification is required to be able to export. If your are interested in becoming ITAR certified contact Rich Grich at meaa@mainemfg.com
Our thanks to all who attended the November 5th MEAA Forum. The forums focus on members playing an active role in the MEAA - partnering to bring more work into Maine. Our next forum will be on Jan. 19th at an MEAA member company. Each form will have members presenting company overview, capacities and capabilities in a brief presentation with 2-3 presenters per forum. Save the Date for the next MEAA forum on January 19th, 2012.
MEAA has kicked off our support of the Real World Design Challenge (RWDC) STEM program working with Maine DOE, Anita Bernhardt, to provide industry, judging and mentoring support to our Maine teams who are participating this year. Our thanks to Pratt & Whitney for providing MAMe with funding for this program. To date we have six teams representing Old Town, Falmouth, Lake, Mt. Blue, Bangor and Sanford High Schools. Rich Grich will be reaching out the MEAA members to become a mentor or judge for our Maine teams. This year’s challenge is to design an efficient, low-carbon-emission and environmentally friendly personal light sport aircraft. The aircraft must accommodate two team members and fly 200 miles in less than two hours at a cruise altitude of 1000 feet above ground level (AGL) minimum.
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Take control of your workers’ compensation insurance costs!
Since 1993, the Manufacturers of Maine Group Trust has returned 28% of insurance premiums to its members.
To learn more about how our aggressive safety and claims management programs can put you in control of your workers’ compensation costs, please contact Steven McKay at steve.mckay@willis.com or 1-800-698-3267 ext.1013
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MEAA TRAINING FUNDS AVAILABLE
There are MEAA training funds available! Contact our offices at (207) 854-2153 or click here to email us for more information.
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