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January 9, 2012

Augusta Manufacturer Expanding Business

Written by Don Carrigan

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Despite a poor economy, a company in Augusta says businesses is good and it's growing--- thanks to a big investment and a lot of work.

On Monday, Kennebec Technologies, a precision metal manufacturing company, celebrated completion of a major expansion. Kennebec added 4,000 square feet of manufacturing space, and purchased two large, robotic manufacturing machines that will allow the company's skilled machinists to focus more time on other work.

Photo by WCSH

Kennebec Technologies primarily makes parts for the aerospace industry, but is now also making parts for health care equipment. Governor Paul LePage cut the ribbon to dedicate the expanded facility, and said jobs like these are key to growing maine's economy. Company owner Wick Johnson said he couldn't have grown the company without a dedicated workforce, and the employees' commitment to training and quality.

Kennebec Technologies has been in business for 39 years and has about 65 employees. The company says it could use a few more good machinists right now, but like so many other Maine manufacturing businesses, Kennebec says its hard to find enough trained and skilled workers to meet their needs.