Mainebiz

V O L . X X X I I N O. X X V N OV E M B E R 2 , 2 0 2 6 10 B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S N E W S F RO M A RO U N D T H E S TAT E B I Z M O N E Y With new composites center, midcoast company can build more than boats B y P e t e r V a n A l l e n L yman-Morse in Thomaston officially opened its advanced composites center — a move that further diversifies the company and makes it less dependent on boatbuilding.. Construction on the $4 million, 15,000-square-foot project started in May. The project team included Chuck Campbell PLLC in Waldoboro for architectural services and Maine Coast Construction in Camden as general contractor, also providing architectural services. On Oct. 16, Drew Lyman and the Lyman-Morse team cut the ribbon on the new center. Advanced technology, heavy duty equipment The building features radiant-floor heat, a solar array and other high-tech equipment. It also sports some brawny features, like a pair of five-ton overhead cranes that ease the movement of heavy objects. "Having overhead cranes, having a clear-span building — you spend a little more money for that stuff — but it gives us flexibility for the future," Lyman told employees and the group gathered at the ribbon-cutting. Compressed air lines, vacuum pumps and IT infra- structure are integral parts of the outfitting needed for composite manufacturing. . Tackling complex projects The interior layout is engineered for flexibility, allowing teams to manage complex manufacturing projects while maintaining precision and efficiency. The building levels up Lyman-Morse's scale, effi- ciency and technical capacity. While Lyman-Morse has its roots in the marine industry, its clients today include industrial, defense and specialized fabrication. "The ebb and flow on the yacht side is challenging," Lyman said Friday. "We looked at how to invest in areas that could stabilize the company [such as the] metal shop, composite shop. That has stabilized the company." The company has said the new site will allow it to take on larger and more complex projects. Nearly half of the project cost — $1,985,502 — came from a program that provides loans with favor- able terms and is administered by Maine Technology Institute's Maine Technology Asset Fund. The company expects to add up to 25 employees over the next five years. Lyman-Morse was founded in 1978 by Drew Lyman's parents, Cabot and Heidi Lyman, who acquired the assets of the former Morse Boatbuilding Co. Drew Lyman was honored as a Mainebiz Business Leader of the Year in 2023. Today, Lyman-Morse is involved in boatbuilding, service and refits and manufacturing with related marina and brokerage operations. The company has 170 employees. Editor 's note: Jim Neug er, S t ep hanie Meag her a n d L aur i e S c h r e i be r c o n t r i b u te d to t h i s r e po r t . Employees of Lyman-Morse cut the ribbon to open the company's new Advanced Composites Center in Thomaston. With scissors in blue fleece is Drew Lyman, company president. He is flanked by Mackenzie Lyman, head of marketing (left), and Josh Moore, director of planning and development (holding ribbon at right). P H O T O / J I M N E U G E R

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