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W O R K F O R M E / S P R I N G 2 0 2 6 4 S p o n s o r L e t t e r Opportunity and innovation in Maine manufacturing The Manufacturers Association of Maine (MAME) is pleased to once again be part of the Work for ME publication. Since its inception, our partnership with Mainebiz has helped highlight the many opportunities that ex- ist across Maine's manufactur- ing sector and connect students and job seekers with employers across the state. Manufacturing continues to play a vital role in Maine's economy. In recent years, the sector has experienced mean- ingful growth and remains one of the state's strongest contributors to private sector wages. Average annual wages in manufacturing now exceed $68,000, representing a wage premium above the statewide average across all industries. At the same time, Maine's workforce is evolving. The state's labor force has climbed back above pre pandemic lev- els, reaching roughly 705,000 workers in 2024, yet employ- ers across many industries still report difficulty finding the talent they need. Maine had approximately 39,000 job openings in 2025, reflect- ing continue d demand for skilled workers throughout the economy. For manufacturers, that challenge is particularly clear. Research conducted with indus- try partners indicates Maine manufacturers could need roughly 3,000 additional skilled workers in the coming years to support current operations and future growth. Yet the opportunity is equal- ly clear. Across Maine, nearly 2,000 manufacturers design, engi- neer and produce products used around the world. These companies span industries in- cluding advanced materials, aerospace, shipbuilding, forest products, food production, pre- cision machining and emerging technologies. Today's manufacturing en- vironments are also very dif- ferent from what many people may imagine. Modern facilities rely on advanced technologies such as robotics, automation, computer aided design and digital production systems. As a result, manufacturers are seeking a wide range of talent, including engineers, program- mers, technicians, machinists, supply chain specialists and skilled trades professionals. One of the biggest chal- lenges facing the industry is awareness. Many students and job seekers simply do not real- ize how many career pathways exist in modern manufacturing, or how those careers align with different interests, skills, and education levels. At MAME, our role is to bring industry, education, workforce partners and policymakers to- gether to strengthen this talent pipeline. Through initiatives that connect students with manufacturers, support work- force development programs and highlight real-world career opportunities, we aim to ensure more people see manufactur- ing as a viable and rewarding career path. Maine manufacturers are building the products, tech- nologies and solutions that power industries around the world. For those exploring their future, manufacturing offers the opportunity to build a meaningful career while con- tributing to something tangible and lasting. We are grateful to Mainebiz and the Work for ME publica- tion for continuing to highlight these opportunities and for helping connect the next gen- eration of talent with Maine's manufacturing community. — John Lewis Executive Director Manufacturers Association of Maine Manufacturers Association of Maine John Lewis P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F M A M E Maine had 39,000 job openings in 2025, reflecting continued demand for skilled workers throughout the economy.