news & updates Winter 2020

News

Cybersecurity Awareness All businesses need to understand cybersecurity risks and have a plan for addressing them. Equally important is that all employees understand their role in supporting cybersecurity in the workplace. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is a good place to start.

Maine MEP Cybersecurity Awareness Events Join Maine MEP and Maine PTAC for a Free Cybersecurity Awareness event for defense contractors on Wednesday March 18th from 9AM to 12PM at EMDC in Bangor. D efense contractors will gain an understanding of what is meant by cybersecurity resiliency, how to manage their risk, and what steps they can take to ensure they adequately protect all information and the future of their business. We will have additional events coming up: Portland-May-Date TBD Brunswick-June-Date TBD Portland area-September-Date TBD Register Now - FREE

Center for Additive Manufacturing of Metals Grant Update Last Fall Maine MEP procured a $1 million dollar grant to expand the capabilities of the University of Maine’s Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) and Center for Additive Manufacturing of Metals (CAMM) . AMC is currently working on sourcing a Keyence VHX7000 Digital microscope which will be used to research the metallurgy of the metal 3-dimensional printing additive manufacturing process. The metal 3d printing process turns digital designs into 3d metal objects allowing for fast, proof of concept, prototyping and commercialization of product ideas and can be printed in stainless steel and tool steels. The center is also evaluating hybrid machine that will combine a laser sintering of powdered metal with a traditional CNC machining center. The AMC will also utilize funds to purchase a 4KW laser cutting system that will assist in precision cutting of sheet tubing and 3d printed parts. This technology allows the center to do large complex fixture designs that can be keyed together and welded. All of these new technologies will be available to all Maine companies along with providing a unique training opportunity for the AMC's engineering students.

Auburn Manufacturing Inc. awarded Heroes of Manufacturing Award NIST MEP recently awarded Auburn Manufacturing, Inc. with the Heroes of Manufacturing Award . Maine MEP nominated Auburn Manufacturing for this award because of their positive impact on the Maine economy and their contribution to the community. Check out the video below!

Rhonda Cox, Executive Assistant; Kathie Leonard, President Auburn Manufacuting Inc; and Wayne Messer, Sr. Project Manager Maine MEP

We're thrilled to welcome our newest members to the Maine MEP Board of Directors! Joan M. Dolan Director of Apprenticeship & Strategic Partnership, Maine Department of Labor David Mika General Manager Porvair, Filtration Group Scott E. Knapp President, Central Maine Community College

Maine MEP Image Refresh We are excited to announce that Maine MEP will be rolling out a new logo and website this spring! We have been working with pica , a branding agency in Belfast ME, to help us refresh our image and effectively communicate who we are and what we do. Our new artwork and materials will convey our commitment to integrity, innovation and continuous improvement. Stay tuned for big changes coming soon! Here's a sneak peak at our new logo:

Client Impacts

As a result of our services in the 3rd Quarter of 2019 our clients reported the following impacts

Featured Success Story

Casco Bay Molding Achieves ISO 13485 and FDA registration Maine MEP Project Manager and ISO expert, Bob Doiron, recently assisted Casco Bay Molding, an injection molding, and product development company, to prepare for and pass ISO 13485 Certification and FDA registration. These certifications allow Casco Bay Molding to design, manufacture and sell medical devices such as menstrual cups . Read the full success story .

"Since 2001 Casco Bay Molding has worked with Maine MEP to develop and evolve our ISO Quality system. Starting with ISO 9001, then medical device FDA Clearance and on to ISO 13485 Maine, MEP has been a valuable partner in our growth from 3 people to 25 people, including our joint venture tool and mold shop. . . . We are grateful to have Maine MEP as part of our team." - Andrew Powell, President - Andrew Powell, President

Casco Bay Molding is pleased to work with Maine based suppliers, such as EAM of Biddeford, to produce sustainable silicone products with an automated manufacturing cell approach. Their unique one roof approach allows CBM and its clients to control all aspects of the product development cycle from concept, design and development to finished product. Founded in 2000, Casco Bay Molding employs 25 people at their San ford ME facility.

Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership www.mainemep.org

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