Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 O C T O B E R 2 0 , 2 0 2 5 F O C U S M A N U FA C T U R I N G / I N T E R N AT I O N A L T R A D E With no background in manufactur- ing, Bunker says he never would have been able to bring his idea to life by con- tracting out the production. Going the 3D route ensured the design wouldn't be copied and allowed him to make quick changes during product development. With printers running nonstop, Bunker says he can produce up to 1,260 units a week. "When I started this, I wanted to make enough money to pay off the house," he says. "But now that we've had such good feedback, I hope to run with this for a little while." To other aspiring manufacturers with an interest in 3D printing, Bunker says, "Do your research on what printer is going to work best for what your product is." Mark Ozimek, a consultant working with Bunker, says he's impressed with how his client identified a persistent industry problem he was able to solve with minimal investment. "What strikes me about Ben's inno- vation is how 3D printing removed the traditional barriers between 'I have an idea' and 'I have a product in customers' hands,'" Ozimek says. "at combi- nation of deep customer insight and M A N U FA C T U R E R S O F M A I N E G R O U P T R U S T R E F U N D A N N O U N C E M E N T MANUFACTURERS IN MAINE RECEIVE $700,000! Here's what some of our members are saying: If you'd like to learn more, please visit our website at manufacturersofmaine.com Being one of the founding members of the Manufacturers of Maine Group Trust, we have found that over the years we are getting far more than Workers Compensation Coverage. The resources that are available and the knowledge from other Maine Manufacturers that is shared, have become a part of our operating strategies' and training program. We find the rates to be very competitive with the market and with refunds over the years averaging 25%, we have realized lower overall cost for Workers Comp coverage. One of the largest benefits to us has been the ability to talk to a person you are familiar with concerning a claim and getting real time information. When keeping your employees safe and productive, knowledgeable communication with employees goes a long way in promoting good employee relations. — Alan F Smith, President, Fastco Corporation The Manufactures of Maine Workers' Compensation Self Insurance Group Trust (MMGT) is pleased to announce that it has just issued $700,000 in refunds to its membership! This refund recognizes the continued excellence in safety and performance of our members. MMGT was created with the mission to promote successful manufacturing in Maine. It was created by manufacturers, for manufacturers to benefit the members and their employees. As a group, the members work together to keep employees safe, reduce costs and maintain standards of excellence in all areas of the program. As a result, MMGT is one of the most successful, cost-effective providers of workers' compensation coverage in Maine. During the last 32 years MMGT has refunded $12.9 million to its members, while maintaining industry leading safe workplaces for their employees. In my 28 years of human resources experience, the safety program through the Manufactures of Maine Group Trust is the most proactive approach to safety with quarterly site inspections, built-in training resources, and because the group performed well this year, we got a refund. — Christopher Hyfield, Human Resource Director The Montalvo Corporation has been a member of the Manufacturers of Maine Group Trust since its days of inception. We could not be more pleased with the coverage we receive, the rates we pay and the safety training that the Trust provides to us. The Trust has been integral and helping us keep costs low and to provide our team with a very safe place to work with very few accidents. And we are thrilled with the added bonus of receiving a very welcome refund at the end of most years. For the majority of the years Montalvo has been involved with the Trust, the group has managed company safety and workers compensation issues so well that all of us members have received a refund of a portion of the monthly amount we pay in. The Trust provides a very good opportunity to the manufacturers of Maine. — Russ Hall, Chief Executive Officer Auburn Manufacturing, Inc., has been a member of the Group Trust for over 24 years and never looked back. With today's ever-changing workforce, it is more important than ever to have an insurance provider that is 100% committed to providing hands-on support. Being a small company, we rely heavily on their team to provide required safety training, ensuring compliance, claim management and consulting. We have received numerous safety awards over the years and are proud to provide a safe place for our employees to work. The Group Trust has been by our side and provide invaluable services since joining the group in 2001. — Steve Boulet, HR/Safety/Facilities Mgr. of Auburn Manufacturing, Inc. Ben Bunker of J & B Designs LLC makes and sells two products designed to safely drain fuel from boat engines. P H O T O S / C O U R T E S Y O F B E N B U N K E R C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E »

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