History

Since 1972, Kennebec Technologies has grown from a small shop with manual machines and systems to a sophisticated world-class award-winning manufacturing company.


Specializing in complex, high-precision components for aerospace, defense, alternative energy, medical, semiconductor, and telecom applications, our commitment has earned and held the trust and confidence of some of the world's leading companies.

2016

Company President Wick Johnson sells the company to employees through an employee stock ownership plan.

2013

Kennebec Technologies named Manufacturer of the Year 2013 by the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Maine MEP). The award is given each year to a Maine company that demonstrates the leadership, vision, and manufacturing excellence that characterize next-generation manufacturers.

2012

Maine Governor Paul LePage and Augusta Mayor Bill Stokes officiate over the opening of a new 4,000 SF manufacturing wing at Kennebec Technologies, adding to its 20,000-square-foot manufacturing plant. The addition will include robotic machines and up to 10 new jobs.

2011

Kennebec engages in multiple Six Sigma events to further lean goals, begins construction on a 4,000 SF expansion, and adds its first robotic machining cell

2010

Kennebec Technologies receives Six Sigma Project Certificate from major aerospace customer and achieves Nadcap Certification for EDM small-hole drilling

2009

Kennebec Tool & Die (KTD) changes its name to Kennebec Technologies, to more accurately reflect the breadth of its capabilities in engineering and production

2008

ITAR compliance/certification

2006 - 2008

KTD engages in major technology turnover, investing $3M in new equipment and planning for building expansion

2005

KTD implements AS9100B to become dual certified (with ISO 9001:2000).

2004

KTD adds isolated clean area and ultrasonic equipment to better service semiconductor and medical industries.

2003

KTD implements a major upgrade to its facilities and systems to conform to ISO 9001:2000 standards. KTD adds 20,000 hours of machining capacity (4 machining centers and 12 new jobs). KTD partners with the State of Maine and the Maine MEP to implement lean manufacturing methodologies.

2002

Wick Johnson is selected as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) "Small Business Person of the Year" for Maine. Maine State Senate President, Richard A. Bennett, honors KTD with the "Cornerstone Award" for its high-quality work and its investment in the Kennebec County economy and community.

2001

Maine's Governor Angus King gives his prestigious "Award for Business Excellence" to KTD for its commitment to the community's educational institutions. KTD adds its first Nakamura-Tome multi-tasking twin-spindle turning center - one of the first dozen such machines imported to the USA - upgrading its capability to machine parts complete in one setup.

2000

KTD implements ISO 9000. A major flight systems company in the aerospace industry names KTD "Supplier of the Year."

1993

To keep up with growing demand, KTD doubles the size of its facility to 20,000sf and expands and improves its quality-control and engineering departments.

1987

KTD moves from Ed Prendergast's garage to a 10,000 square foot plant on 150 Church Hill Road in Augusta.

1984

Charles ("Wick") Johnson purchases KTD from Ed Prendergast.

1980 - 1984

KTD begins manufacturing aerospace parts—initially for space shuttle fuel cells.

1978

KTD wins contract to manufacture skin dies for Boeing 757's and 767's.

1972

Ed Prendergast begins operating Kennebec Tool & Die from his garage.