Maine Manufacturer to Expand Operations; Will Add Nearly 140 New Jobs

Auburn, Maine - Pioneer Plastics Corporation, a subsidiary of Panolam Industries International, an Auburn-based company engaged in the manufacturing of high-pressure decorative laminates (HPL), will see its operations grow in Maine as a result of Panolam closing its manufacturing operations in South Carolina and moving the production to Maine. The company's anticipated investment of more than $1.7 million is expected to lead to the creation of nearly 140 new direct jobs over the next two years.

"Maine's economy is continuing to head in the right direction, and this announcement is further proof that Maine is, indeed, Open for Business," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "For far too long, Maine has been on the losing end of the equation. Now, instead of seeing jobs move out of state, quality jobs are being moved to Maine from elsewhere. Through our reforms, we are earning a better reputation as a business-friendly state that welcomes and appreciates private investment. That's what Maine people want and expect from their elected leaders: a government that works with-not against-the private sector to create good-paying jobs."

To help facilitate the movement of jobs and the corresponding investment, Pioneer and Panolam were recently certified for a Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) incentive package.

"Maine is a terrific place to do business and we are very pleased to grow our operations, and more importantly add talent to our already strong team at our Auburn Plant," said Al Kabus Panolam's President and CEO. "Our new investment in Maine means that our Auburn facility will remain competitive and well-positioned for long term growth." Panolam purchased Pioneer Plastics in 1999 and since then has invested millions of dollars in its Auburn plant.

Prior to Panolam's acquisition of Pioneer, the company produced only thermally fused laminate (TFL). Panolam now produces an extensive line of high-pressure laminates, thermo-fused laminates, fiberglass reinforced laminates, and other specialty products available in hundreds of colors and styles under the well-known Panolam, Nevamar, Pionite, Pluswood, Conolite, and other brand names. Panolam provides the vision, value, and versatility designers, architects, manufacturers and contractors seek today. All of Panolam's materials are manufactured in North America.

For more information on Panolam Industries and the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development, please visit the links below:

Panolam Industries: https://www.panolam.com/

DECD: www.maine.gov/decd