Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 19 O C T O B E R 1 9 , 2 0 2 6 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 an experienced workforce, strong con- nections to Maine's dairy community and the infrastructure and room to expand production over time." e acquisition provides continu- ity plus opportunity for the opera- tion and team, says Mark Whitney, Pineland's longtime president, who is staying as general manager. "Tropical kept the existing Bangor team in place and has been very clear that they see the people here as a core part of the investment," says Whitney. "We're continuing to operate the facility while beginning to bring Tropical products into Bangor, and over time the plan is to significantly expand production here. For the team, that means stability today and a much larger growth opportunity ahead." With Bangor expansion,Tropical brings an established cheese business and strong customer base into Maine. "As production grows, we expect to use more milk from the Maine dairy system and grow the Bangor work- force," Whitney says. "at is good for the plant, good for local employ- ment and good for the broader dairy economy in Maine." Founded in 1982, Tropical offers Hispanic cheese, meat and other food products. C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » Bangor brings together an experienced workforce, strong connections to Maine's dairy community, and the infrastructure and room to expand production over time. — Victor Mehren Tropical Cheese Industries P H O T O / S E T H P O P L A S K I Tropical Cheese kept the existing Bangor team and will bring its established cheese business and customer base into Maine. Bangor, M aine Innovation Rooted in Community Bangor's manufacturing industry strength is built on skilled work and continued investment. Companies such as GE Vernova and C&L Aviation Group demonstrate the city's technical capabilities, from precision manufacturing to aircraft maintenance and refurbishment. GE Vernova's planned investment of more than $20 million, with nearly 50 new jobs anticipated, reinforces that foundation. Supporting these industries is a broader network of education and training opportunities. Institutions such as Eastern Maine Community College and United Technologies Center offer programs in fields including welding, fabrication, and electrical trades. In nearby Orono, UMaine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center advances research and international industry partnerships in composite materials and advanced manufacturing. These resources are complemented by access to I-95 and Bangor International Airport, connecting businesses with markets across Maine and beyond. Airport improvements, including Taxiway Alpha rehabilitation, are strengthening infrastructure and expanding capacity for future growth. Together, these assets strengthen Bangor's role as a regional economic and manufacturing hub. The City's Community and Economic Development office helps businesses build on these advantages through site searches, connections to resources and applicable incentives, and coordination with City departments. Contact our team to explore your next investment in Bangor: econ.dev@bangormaine.gov

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