State Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner John Richardson joined representatives from Maine Machine Products Company today to celebrate the Pine Tree Zone Certification of the custom precision manufacturing facility in South Paris.

"Maine Machine is raising the bar for Maine businesses and is a great example to manufacturing companies around the world," said Commissioner Richardson. "They were a recipient of the Champion of Economic Development Award in 2007, and they continue to grow in an industry that showcases the strengths of Maine's people and businesses. I look forward to their continued success."

"We are pleased to receive Pine Tree Zone Certification status and thank the state of Maine for implementing performance-based initiatives that benefit existing businesses that are expanding in Maine," commented Maine Machine Products President and CEO, David MacMahon.

Maine Machine Products has been in operation since 1956 in the same location. One of the original owners, Roland Sutton, Jr., shares ownership of the company with his three sons.

The Pine Tree Zone program is a performance-based tax incentive initiative introduced by Governor Baldacci to stimulate growth in targeted business sectors that is offered through DECD to support Maine businesses, create quality jobs for Maine people, strengthen our economy and keep Maine competitive in the global economy. Since the introduction of Pine Tree Development Zones in 2004, 185 businesses have been certified.

For more information, visit www.businessinmaine.com.

On Wednesday, June 18, John Richardson, commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) was pleased to announce the Pine Tree Zone certification of GPX International Tire Corporation in Gorham.

The Malden, MA-based manufacturing company is consolidating operations by closing its plant in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada and moving the equipment to the existing Maine facility, leading to the creation of six new jobs.

"The GPX facility in Gorham is an example of a manufacturing company succeeding because of their efficiency and ability to innovate," said Commissioner Richardson. "Manufacturing is an important part of Maine's economy and DECD is always pleased when able to assist in a company's growth."

GPX manufactures high-end hard rubber industrial tires used primarily on fork trucks. The company also produces urethane products such as tires, snow plow blades, and sand spreaders. The Gorham site was formerly owned by Maine Industrial Tires which began operating in 1949.

GPX's Pine Tree certification falls under the Pine Tree Zone manufacturing extension that took effect in September 2007. The Pine Tree Zone program is a performance-based tax incentive initiative introduced by Governor Baldacci to stimulate growth in targeted business sectors that is offered through DECD to support Maine businesses, create quality jobs for Maine people, strengthen our economy and keep Maine competitive in the global economy. Since the introduction of Pine Tree Development Zones in 2004, over 137 businesses have been certified.

For more information, visit www.businessinmaine.com.

Today, John Richardson, commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) was pleased to announce that Priest & Priest, in addition to Kenway and Maritime Marine, is now certified as a Pine Tree Development Zone. The certification will allow for the construction of a 20,000-foot expansion at their facility. Kenway received an award for Manufacturing Excellence from the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership today as well.

Brian Hodges of DECD also assisted the Kenway Corporation in amending their Pine Tree Zone certification to include Priest & Priest.

"This certification not only encourages development and growth in Maine but maintains a climate that supports a company's business structure," stated Hodges.

Kenway was started in Palermo in 1947 as a boatbuilding company. In the 1960s, the company evolved into a fiberglass manufacturing company for marine, pulp and paper, and power industries and in 2007 the company acquired Massachusetts-based Maritime Marine. Ken Priest, Jr., accepted the amended Pine Tree Zone certificate that designates Kenway, Maritime Marine and Priest & Priest all as a Pine Tree Zone.

The Pine Tree Zone program is a performance-based tax incentive initiative introduced by Governor John Baldacci to stimulate growth in targeted business sectors that is offered through DECD to support Maine businesses, create quality jobs for Maine people, strengthen our economy and keep Maine competitive in the global economy. Since the introduction of Pine Tree Development Zones in 2004, over 137 businesses have been certified.

For more information, visit www.businessinmaine.com.

Today, in Portland, John Richardson, commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) attended the groundbreaking of a windmill at family-owned Applicators Sales & Service, a wholesale building product company that was awarded Pine Tree Zone certification.

"By installing this windmill, Applicators is taking the lead by employing strategic steps to lower their costs of doing business," stated Commissioner Richardson. "Not only will the windmill help them become more competitive, but it also will reduce their carbon footprint. Utilizing green energy practices is beneficial to both the state's environment and our economy as well, and I commend them for their innovation."

Applicators Sales & Service was founded in 1958 by Dave Koocher and Jerry Robinov as a family-owned and operated wholesale building products company. Today, Applicators employs nearly 500 people in Maine and New Hampshire with five business locations. Applicators also owns and operates Paradigm Window Solutions, which manufactures the Paradigm brand of vinyl window and sliding patio doors.

The company is increasing their window manufacturing operations at Paradigm in order to meet growing demand. The initial investment is estimated at $2,265,000 for building improvements including the purchase of window fabrication machinery & equipment and employee job training.

Today, the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) announced that five companies based in Lewiston-Auburn have recently received Pine Tree Development Zone certification. The Pine Tree Zone program is a performance-based tax incentive initiative to stimulate growth in targeted business sectors in order to strengthen the economy and create quality jobs for Maine people.

DECD Commissioner John Richardson said, "The Pine Tree Development Zones are one of our state's great initiatives that help support Maine's targeted industries. These companies are a great example and their expansion will considerably bolster the state's economy."

"The impact of the Pine Tree Zone incentive program on our economy and these growing companies is significant," said Ron McKinnon, the Business Development Specialist for the region. "The expansion of these growth-industry companies and the subsequent job creation is testimony to the program's success." McKinnon, in his role for DECD, worked closely with the companies to help facilitate the application process and collaboration of local officials.

-Innovex Technologies is a manufacturing and environmental technology company that designs and makes commercial and residential control products for heating and air conditioning systems. The company will, in part, use the Pine Tree Zone benefits for building improvements and employee training.

-Downeast Networks, Inc is a start-up company providing network consulting for small to mid-size businesses.

-Formed Fiber Technologies is a leading manufacturer of automotive trunk trim systems; they supply every car maker in the U.S. and Canada with interior rim material and component products. They plan to add a state-of-the-art non-woven material manufacturing line.

-Maine Oxy-Acetylene Supply Company is constructing a hydrogen and oxygen production facility to expand sales to gas and manufacturing markets.

-FIS Capital Markets is a financial services firm opening a start-up company to provide underwriting services to financial institutions.

There will be approximately 69 new jobs created from the certifications. Since the introduction of Pine Tree Development Zones in 2004, over 160 businesses have been certified, creating over 4,100 new jobs.

For more information on the Pine Tree Development Zone program, visit www.businessinmaine.com.

Today, the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) announced that two companies based in Downeast Maine have recently received Pine Tree Development Zone certification. The Pine Tree Zone program is a performance-based tax incentive initiative to stimulate growth in targeted business sectors in order to strengthen the economy and create quality jobs for Maine people.

DECD Commissioner John Richardson said, "The Pine Tree Development Zones are one of our state's great initiatives that help support Maine's targeted industries. These two companies are a great example and their expansion will considerably increase the state's aquaculture and manufacturing capacity."

"The impact of the Pine Tree Zone incentive program on our economy and these growing companies is significant," said Janet Toth, the Business Development Specialist for the region. "The expansion of these growth-industry companies and the subsequent job creation is testimony to the program's success." Toth, in her role for DECD, worked closely with the companies to help facilitate the application process and collaboration with local officials.

-Atlantic Salmon of Maine in Machiasport plans to restock four salmon farming sites in Machias Bay. Ten jobs will be created.

-Lee S. Wilbur and Company in Southwest Harbor will be expanding its product line of composite boats through construction of a new production facility and creation of 12 jobs.

Since the introduction of Pine Tree Development Zones in 2004, over 160 businesses have been certified, creating over 4,100 new jobs.

For more information on the Pine Tree Development Zone program, visit www.businessinmaine.com.

Today, the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) announced that Atlantis Maritime in Rockport recently received a Pine Tree Development Zone certification. The Pine Tree Zone program is a performance-based tax incentive initiative to stimulate growth in targeted business sectors in order to strengthen the economy and create quality jobs for Maine people.

DECD Commissioner John Richardson said, "The Pine Tree Development Zones are one of our state's great initiatives that help support Maine's manufacturing. Atlantis Maritime is a great example and their growth will bolster this area's manufacturing capacity."

"The impact of the Pine Tree Zone incentive program on our economy and growing companies like Atlantis Maritime is significant," said Deborah Elliott, the Business Development Specialist for the region. "The expansion of various manufacturing companies throughout the state and the subsequent job creation is testimony to the program's success." Elliott, in her role for DECD, worked closely with the manufacturing company to help facilitate the application process and collaboration of local officials.

Atlantis Maritime is a yacht management and manufacturing company that uses composite materials technology. The company will build a proprietary line of boats for Hunt Yachts. The investment will create 14 new jobs.

Since the introduction of Pine Tree Development Zones in 2004, over 160 businesses have been certified.

For more information on the Pine Tree Development Zone program, visit www.businessinmaine.com.

Today, the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) announced that six manufacturing companies based in Southern Maine have recently received Pine Tree Development Zone certification. The Pine Tree Zone program is a performance-based tax incentive initiative to stimulate growth in targeted business sectors in order to strengthen the economy and create quality jobs for Maine people.

DECD Commissioner John Richardson said, "The Pine Tree Development Zones are one of our state's great initiatives that help support Maine's manufacturing. These companies are a great example and their expansion will considerably increase the state's manufacturing capacity."

"The impact of the Pine Tree Zone incentive program on our economy and these growing companies is significant," said Brian Doyle, the Business Development Specialist for the region. "The expansion of various manufacturing companies and the subsequent job creation is testimony to the program's success." Doyle, in his role for DECD, worked closely with the manufacturing companies to help facilitate the application process and collaboration of local officials.

-The Kittery Point Yacht Yard, which manufactures custom and proprietary boats, is expanding at a new facility in order to triple the amount of space available for boat building and marine services.

-The Portland Shellfish Company, Inc will be expanding their processing operations through the purchase and outfitting of an existing vacant lobster processing facility.

-Applicators Sales and Services, Inc is increasing its window manufacturing operations due to improved sales of their Paradigm windows in the Midwest and Florida.

-Eastman Industries will be expanding its commercial lawn mower manufacturing business. In 2006, the company purchased the Wisconsin-based Ingersoll Tractor Company and relocated the business to Maine.

-Fiber Materials, Inc is a manufacturer of composite products for the aerospace industry and they will use the tax incentives for facility upgrades, new equipment and workforce training.

-David Saunders, Inc will, in part, use the Pine Tree Zone benefits for upgrades in equipment and processes for their electronic manufacturing services.

There will be approximately 100 new jobs created from the certifications. Since the introduction of Pine Tree Development Zones in 2004, over 160 businesses have been certified, with over 4,100 new jobs.

For more information on the Pine Tree Development Zone program, visit www.businessinmaine.com.

Today, the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) announced that Lohmann Animal Health International in Winslow recently received a Pine Tree Development Zone certification. The Pine Tree Zone program is a performance-based tax incentive initiative to stimulate growth in targeted business sectors in order to strengthen the economy and create quality jobs for Maine people.

DECD Commissioner John Richardson said, "The Pine Tree Development Zones are one of our state's great initiatives that help support Maine's manufacturing. Lohmann Animal Health International is a great example and their growth will bolster this area's manufacturing capacity."

"The impact of the Pine Tree Zone incentive program on our economy and growing companies like Lohmann Animal Health International is significant," said Brian Hodges, the Business Development Specialist for the region. "The expansion of various manufacturing companies throughout the state and the subsequent job creation is testimony to the program's success." Hodges, in his role for DECD, worked closely with the manufacturing company to help facilitate the application process and collaboration of local officials.

Lohmann Animal Health International produces high-quality poultry vaccines for a global market and the new construction of a testing and live harvest laboratory will lead to the creation of 36 new jobs.

Since the introduction of Pine Tree Development Zones in 2004, over 160 businesses have been certified.

For more information on the Pine Tree Development Zone program, visit www.businessinmaine.com.

Today, the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) announced that the start-up company, Ntension Corporation of Hermon, recently received a Pine Tree Development Zone certification. The Pine Tree Zone program is a performance-based tax incentive initiative to stimulate growth in targeted business sectors in order to strengthen the economy and create quality jobs for Maine people.

DECD Commissioner John Richardson said, "The Pine Tree Development Zones are one of our state's great initiatives that help support Maine's manufacturing. Ntension is a great example and their growth will bolster this area's manufacturing capacity."

"The impact of the Pine Tree Zone incentive program on our economy and growing companies like Ntension is significant," said Bill Osborne, the Business Development Specialist for the region. "The expansion of various manufacturing companies throughout the state and the subsequent job creation is testimony to the program's success." Osborne, in his role for DECD, worked closely with the manufacturing company to help facilitate the application process and collaboration of local officials.

Ntension designs and manufactures high-quality custom made exhibits. The company will, in part, use the Pine Tree Zone benefits for building improvements and the purchase of machinery and equipment. Five new jobs will be created.

Since the introduction of Pine Tree Development Zones in 2004, over 160 businesses have been certified.

For more information on the Pine Tree Development Zone program, visit www.businessinmaine.com.

To view a copy of Governor Baldacci's Economic Development Strategy, please visit:

Governor's Strategy