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V O L . X X X I I N O. V I I A P R I L 6 , 2 0 2 6 34 R E A L E S TAT E / C O N S T R U C T I O N / E N G I N E E R I N G F O C U S Manufacturers offer choices Panels come in different sizes and can be built with a range of finishes, from basic structures that include insulation and cutouts for windows, doors and mechanical systems, all the way up to components that include interior cabinetry and exterior siding. "ere's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to sourcing; it's driven by what makes the most sense for a given project. Hancock Lumber, UsiHome, and Atlas Structures are all in our regular rotation, and each brings something a little different to the table," says Hebert. Zachau favors components from Hammond Lumber, which are manu- factured by Atlas Structural Systems, headquartered in Canada; from Newington, N.H.-based North & South Construction Services; and from Blueprint Robotics in Baltimore. Two new factories to open in Maine One of the largest suppliers to Maine builders of prefabricated roof, wall and floor panels is Atlas Structural Systems, which has a 11 production facilities in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canada. e firm has been supplying con- tractors in Maine for years, exclusively through Hammond Lumber, which has 34 locations across Maine and New Hampshire. Atlas' parent company, J.D. Irving Ltd., has a lumber mill in Dixfield, and is currently building its first fac- tory in the state, in Lewiston, which is set to start production by the end of this month. e 44,000-square-foot facility is in the former Steel Service Center building at 1750 Lisbon St. Mike Vail, director of sales, says the new location will design and manufacture engi- neered trusses and prefabricated wall, floor and stair panels. He expects to employ close to 45 people and says the company chose Lewiston for its central location. "Lewiston is a great community with a historically industrial hub that offers good opportunities for busi- nesses with a skilled labor force," he says, adding that Atlas U.S. will source the majority of its lumber from state- side mills. e second new facility will be Hancock Lumber's 44,000-square- foot factory for prefabricated compo- nents, in Oxford. e company has been manufacturing wall panels since 1999 in Windham and roof trusses since 2018, at the company's Fairfield facility, and is expanding to meet growing demand. "Not only will the new facility increase capacity by 10 times, it will also enable us to manufacture addi- tional building components such as longer wall panels — up to 20 feet long; today our maximum is 12 feet — with 2.5-inch zip sheathing, pre- cut labeled framing, and stair sys- tems, with the ability to expand and add services in the future," says Kevin Hancock, executive chairman. Hancock Lumber has 12 lum- beryards in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts; three sawmills in Maine; and a tiny homes manufactur- ing division. Hancock expects the new factory to be fully operational by early 2027. Tina Fischer, Mainebiz staff writer, can be reached at tfischer @ mainebiz.biz With 20 years of experience in residential lending, Kaleigh is right at "home" at Mascoma. Kaleigh Deering VP Mortgage Loan Officer Portland, ME NMLS #518288 Welcome! NMLS #452944 P R O U D LY S E RV I N G C E N T R A L , C OA S TA L , A N D S O U T H E R N M A I N E S I N C E 1 9 4 3 . With over 80 years of industry leadership, we're committed to building value that's verified—projects rooted in sustainability, driven by collaboration, and focused on creating lasting benefits for the communities we serve. Innovative and functional spaces that drive business success. C O M M E R C I A L Multi-unit properties that foster connection and support modern living. H O U S I N G Learning environments that inspire growth and academic excellence. E D U C AT I O N A L Spaces that bring people together and enhance local quality of life. C O M M U N I T Y Facilities that prioritize patient care and advanced medical services. H E A LT H C A R E S C A N TO V I E W O U R P R OJ E C T S . Get in touch at hebertconstruction.com » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E Hancock Lumber has broken ground on a 44,000-square foot prefabricated components factory in Oxford. R E N D E R I N G / C O U R T E S Y K W A R C H I T E C T S, K R I S T I K E N N E Y

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