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V O L . X X V N O. X X V I I I D E C E M B E R 9 , 2 0 1 9 24 WO R K F O R C E D E V E L O P M E N T A t Lanco Integrated in Westbrook, manufacturing project leader Peter Brazier was a cabinetmaker and house builder in a former life. When the 2008 financial crisis hit, he went back to school, enrolling in Southern Maine Community College's industrial technology program while completing two internships at Lanco. Eight years ago, when he graduated, he started full-time at Lanco and has been there ever since. "I like that you're constantly chal- lenged," Brazier says while working on a machine that will be used to make shower valves. "e technology is changing so much, you have to know every machine inside out." at's evident as he points to tiny parts in a vibrator feeder bowl, explain- ing how they move around when the machine is on. Besides the fast-paced work environment, he relishes travel to Germany and Hong Kong — a perk of working for a global company. Like Brazier, many Lanco employ- ees are former interns. e company, with a workforce of 183 in Westbrook and 300 total, designs and makes machines and test systems used by manufacturers in sectors including automotive and medical. 'Struggled in the past' With the vast majority of its cus- tomers outside of Maine including overseas, the employee-owned firm lacks the name recognition of bigger B y r e n e e c o r d e S F O C U S Lanco Integrated Geography: Headquartered in Westbrook, with design, manufac- turing, assembly and sales facilities in Stuttgart, Germany; Hong Kong; and Shanghai, China. What it makes: Turnkey automated assembly and test systems for sectors including automotive and medical. Ownership: Employees Leadership: Ed Karabec, president and CEO Workforce count: 300 total including 183 in Westbrook Contact: www.lanco.net P H O T O / J I M N E U G E R Peter Brazier Peter Brazier, manufacturing , manufacturing project leader at project leader at Lanco Integrated Lanco Integrated in in Westbrook, works on a machine that Westbrook, works on a machine that will be used to make plumbing parts. will be used to make plumbing parts. MOVING PARTS How one Maine manufacturer is building a talent pipeline

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