By Morgan Rogers

October 10, 2013

The Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) selected Kennebec Technologies for the 2013 Manufacturer of the Year award on October 4th.

Kennebec Technologies is a precision manufacturer that creates parts for aerospace, defense, alternative energy, medical, semiconductor and telecom industries. They had their beginnings in a garage in Augusta in 1972 and since then have grown into a successful business.

“For two decades Kennebec Technologies has steadily expanded its operations by developing new products, expanding into new markets and finding ways to improve the efficiency of its production processes,” said Murial Mosher, president of the Maine (MEP), in a statement.

Kennebec Technologies was able to expand under Governor John Baldacci’s Pine Tree Zone tax incentive program, a program to encourage job growth and business expansion by offering eligible Maine businesses an opportunity to greatly reduce state taxes for up to 10 years.

Recently they have partnered with the University of Maine’s composite laboratory to expand into new markets and possibly produce wind mill blades.

“This spirit of innovation, combined with a relentless focus on quality control and lean manufacturing, has led the firm to its position today as one of Maine’s premier high-tech manufacturers,” said Mosher.

Maine MEP presents the Manufacturer of the Year award each year to a business that shows excellence and vision in manufacturing, leading the way for Maine manufactures to come.

Wick Johnson, the company’s president, credits the companies 50 percent productivity growth, which resulted in doubling sales revenue, allowing for them to invest in new technologies, to their partnership with Maine MEP.

“This award is recognition of the success we’ve achieved by partnering with Maine MEP and of the hard work and commitment of our employees,” said Wick.

Maine MEP helps manufacturing business in Maine by providing technical assistances and business.