Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/880319
A s the voice of manufac- turing in the state of Maine, the Manufac- turers Association of Maine is thrilled to be partnered with Mainebiz to create and pro- mote "Making It In Maine"! This is an epic opportunity to showcase what is happening in manufac- turing today! Manufacturers Association of Maine represents hundreds of members providing programs and business services to meet the needs of our businesses and workers. The major ongo- ing challenge has been fi nding and attracting a skilled workforce. The Making it in Maine pub- lication is one of many outreach strategies we are working on to engage more young people, educators, parents and the public on the career opportunities in manufacturing. Making it in Maine provides the opportunity to build awareness and educate others about what modern manufactur- ing looks like today! Modern manufacturing does not look the same as the manu- facturing facilities of years past. Today, manufacturing facilities are filled with high-tech com- puter systems, automation, clean rooms, engineering and research & development departments Traditional manufacturing sectors have expanded and now showcase opportunities in areas such as: aquaculture, bioscience & medical devices, boat building, electronics, food & beverage, metal fabrication & precision manufacturing, plas- tics, composites, bioplastics, RF (radio frequency) & wireless communications, semiconduc- tor, studio art, textile and wood products. There are a substantial number of career opportunities in all these areas! This publication, along with tours and events, will introduce students and educators to the world of manufacturing through the eyes of companies right here in Maine. Making It In Maine will highlight many of our young pro- fessionals in manufacturing who have found rewarding careers. Professionals in manufactur- ing earn competitive wages that average above the medium wage for other occupations in Maine advancement opportunities. Join us as we experience the many opportunities in this vibrant sector and discover your future here in Maine manufacturing. n — Lisa G. Martin Executive Director, Manufacturers Association of Maine D eciding on what you want to do for your lifelong career when you are still in school seems like a very big decision to make, especially when you don't yet know all your options. Of course, it makes sense to choose a well-paying career, so you can support yourself and your family. And, since you will be spending 40 or more hours a week work- ing, it's also important that you do something you like – that has meaning and purpose. Does it feel like you have too many options that you can't narrow down, or does it seem like there are too few options for you? When adults ask little kids what they want to be when they grow up, I don't think you hear the kids say, "I want to be in manufacturing," so the career options manufacturing offers are often unknown to graduat- ing students. And if the students are aware of manufacturing, they often think of unappealing, old- school manufacturing jobs. The reality is that manufacturing, like many industries, has embraced technology, changing the kinds of job opportunities to include robotics, bio-technology, electri- cal and mechanical engineering, 3-D printing, computer software development, marketing, packag- ing design, logistics, ergonomics and more. This publication, Making it in Maine, has been produced to provide you with information and ideas on how you can start a career in manufacturing right here in Maine. Manufacturing offers interesting work, and good pay and benefi ts. When you read the companies who are profi led and read the "Made in Maine" article on page 34, you get an idea of the kinds of products made right here in Maine. The article on page 12 called the "Faces of Manufacturing" introduces you to some young people who have found meaningful careers in manufacturing – we hope you learn from their experiences. n — Donna Brassard Publisher, Mainebiz A Meaningful Career Manufacturing Today Letters F A L L 2 0 1 7 / M A K I N G I T I N M A I N E 7 F U L L C O N T E N T S O N PA G E 4 T E C H N O L O G Y F O C U S P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY 20 3-D printing's 'sole man' L&K Manufacturing in Bangor is developing a 3-D printer that can mix materials on the fly. CEO and President Andrew Katon says 3-D printing has the potential to save shoe manufacturers time and money. B y L o r i V a L i g r a Maureen and Steve Hassett, owners of Custom Composite Technologies, work with industries that are looking for products that are lighter and stronger. Maureen holds a carbon fiber section for a robotic arm being produced for a client. S TA R T I N G O N PA G E 16 Composites company keeps low profile Composites company keeps low profile Custom Composite Technologies crafts parts for America's Cup yachts to giant sculptures F O C U S T E C H N O L O G Y $2.00 February 20, 2017 VO L . X X I I I N O. I V www.mainebiz.biz Manufacturing offers interesting work and good pay and benefits