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V O L . X X V N O. V M A R C H 4 , 2 0 1 9 24 M A N U FA C T U R I N G F O C U S "e initial impact of the tariff was very disruptive to our normal supply chain, as we have always relied on the closest mills to New England which happen to be in Quebec and Ontario," says Blatchford. Despite its Canadian connec- tion, American Steel increasingly turned to domestic mills. Today, one of its primary suppliers is Charlotte, N.C.-based Nucor Corp., the largest U.S. steelmaker. "is is one of the reasons why you need to have a good supply base, why you need to have many suppliers," Blatchford says. Meanwhile, he notes, prices have peaked and have returned to "more normal levels." Other challenges remain. Blatchford says the company has a shortage of employees. at was one of the major reasons for investing in the laser device. "I think it's a common issue within all of Maine manufactur- ing — no one can find talent," says Blatchford. "It is really difficult find- ing people. And we make sure to hang onto the good ones. But things were getting to the point where we couldn't take on any more work." By enabling one employee to do the job of five, he hopes, the new laser device will help American better use its stretched-thin workforce. Laser processing will also provide higher-quality processing for custom- ers, says Whittier, who has advised American and led Maine MEP's tech- nical assistance to the company. "Maine manufacturers will be able to reduce the amount of rework nec- essary," he says. "is is just a step up for everybody." One of American Steel's cus- tomers, Gary Merrill, president and CEO of Hussey Seating Co, agrees: "Having a local supplier who both knows our business and invests in the future of manufacturing in our state is a key piece in expanding the global footprint of Maine-manufactured products." Now it's up to Blatchford and his team to prove that additional value to manufacturers. "e machine can pay for itself, but we have to grow the business," he says. "e manufacturing community in Maine is fairly limited, so we have to go deeper into customers." William Hall, a correspondent for Mainebiz, can be reached at editorial @ mainebiz.biz » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E BUILDING THE FOUNDATION FOR TOMORROW'S MANUFACTURING LEADERS. Other Opportunities • Customized Earn While You Learn Apprenticeships • Workforce Development Opportunities • Employee Recruiting • Customized Training Programs CENTRAL MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE IS YOUR EDUCATION PARTNER. 207-755-5273 enroll@cmcc.edu www.cmcc.edu Academic Programs • Architectural & Civil Engineering • Building Construction Technology • Electromechanical Technology • Precision Machining Technology • Precision Machining Technology - Advanced Certificate Whether you're looking to jumpstart or advance your career by gaining new skills, contact us to learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals today! P H O T O S / P E T E R VA N A L L E N American Steel's $1.4 million laser cutter is operated from a computer screen (top left) and makes clean, accurate cuts in seconds. It's really difficult finding people. And we make sure to hang onto the good ones. — Sam Blatchford American Steel Higgins Fabrication Live Here. Work Here. Grow Here. Bangor Innovation Center With business incubator sites for lease and a customized intake process from city staff, Bangor is a centralized, business-friendly location for your manufacturing operation. We'd love to talk with you about how you can build and grow here in Bangor! Come see why Bangor was recognized by Business Week as one of America's 12 pockets of prosperity. 207.992.4280 comm.dev@bangormaine.gov www.bangormaine.gov /BangorCityHall

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