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AWARD B U S I N E S S L E A D E R S O F T H E Y E A R W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 25 M A R C H 2 4 , 2 0 2 5 machinery was disassembled, packed into roughly 10 shipping containers and sent to Maine. e entire paper machine was shipped in 214 containers. e assembly posed its own chal- lenges — constructing the new paper machine beside the operational one. In January, the old machine was disman- tled, removed and replaced with new modules lifted by two 80-ton bridge cranes. Other equipment was airlifted by helicopter. is intricate process involved installing cutting-edge equipment, removing outdated components, erect- ing a new steel structure, and upgrading infrastructure while minimizing disrup- tion to daily operations. Once engineering was completed, the focus shifted to construction. A project of this scale required over 1,000 external contractors, which introduced challenges in training and upholding our high standards for safety and quality. Sustainability remains a top priority, guiding decisions on energy, water and waste reduction. e technology power- ing this transformation is state-of-the- art, but its success hinges on the people behind it. MB: With so many Maine workers aging out, how do you replenish the workforce? MH: Replacing the deep expertise of our retiring employees presents a signifi- cant challenge at Sappi, where it's not uncommon for individuals to dedicate over 30 years to our company. We've sig- nificantly strengthened our partnerships with educational institutions in Maine, including the UMaine, and Maine Maritime Academy, as well as trade schools across the region. In collabora- tion with the Maine Department of Labor, we've also launched an apprentice program at our Somerset mill. MB: In a digital age, how does paper remain such a valuable product? Mike Haws: People are more likely to remember what they read on paper compared to a screen. Why? Paper offers a more intuitive way to navigate content, supports better mental mapping of infor- mation, and demands fewer cognitive resources, ultimately boosting reten- tion. Consider the number of emails you receive daily versus the handful of items in your mailbox. A thoughtfully designed piece of print stands out, cutting through the digital noise. In a world where online information can be unreliable and hard to trust, I believe people place greater faith in what they read in print. I know I do. Peter Van Allen, Mainebiz editor, can be reached at pvanallen @ mainebiz.biz Working Together Toward a Common Goal Working Together Toward a Common Goal At The Dunham Group we're more than just a team of brokers, we're a collaborative force. Our open office environment allows our brokers to share knowledge and expertise so we can connect clients with the right opportunities for their growth. Put Our Collaborative Approach to Work for You. 2 Monument Square, Portland, ME | 207.773.7100 | dunhamgroup.com 100% EMPLOYEE OWNED BEHIND EVERY SOLUTION STANDS AN EMPLOYEE-OWNER INVESTED IN YOUR SUCCESS AND OURS. OFFICES IN SOUTH PORTLAND BRIDGTON SANFORD sebagotechnics.com