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Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership

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The Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Maine MEP) is able to leverage a vast array of public and private resources and services that are available to every manufacturing enterprise in Maine. The nationwide system of MEP centers is linked through the U.S. Department of Commerce - National Institute of Standards and Technology's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP), with the common goal to strengthen the global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers.

The challenge for manufacturers today is satisfying escalating customer expectations in an increasingly volatile and competitive global market while also maintaining satisfactory profit margins. With technological change happening so rapidly many small and medium manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) find it difficult to keep pace with those demands. Maine MEP provides affordable, innovative solutions to these problems. Maine MEP will assist your organization in a transformation from traditional to world-class manufacturer. The MEP Center’s experienced project managers will work with companies to identify conditions that may impede a company’s ability to become more efficient, competitive and prosperous. Maine MEP can assist in providing the resources to help maximize profit. In working side by side with leadership, the Maine MEP becomes a partner for success.

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Success Stories

Maine Wood and Wood Composite Products Company Assisted in Growth by MEP

Reported Year
2022
While many of Cousineau’s products utilize Maine wood, some require veneers imported from Eastern Europe. These veneers are relatively expensive, must be purchased by the container load and require long lead times to acquire. The cyclic nature of demand for recreational items combined with the large investment to maintain adequate levels of

Puritan Steps Up to Keep the Nation Safe

Reported Year
2022
During the pandemic, as demand skyrocketed for COVID-19 testing kits, Puritan was one of only two manufacturers of COVID-19 testing swabs in the world. Puritan was contacted by the White House and asked to increase production to meet the needs of their COVID-19 testing program. This rapid, demand-driven expansion required an immediate increase in

Investment in equipment spurs growth

Reported Year
2022
During the pandemic, medical product manufacturers in Maine and beyond needed fast, flexible and accurate materials that reflect the constantly-evolving situation. Medical supply companies, pop-up clinics, health care firms and other businesses have needed to be able to print labels, signage, and packaging quickly so that they can get vital
Created March 18, 2019, Updated March 7, 2023