Maine manufacturer staffs up for innovation

Photo:

Garrett VanAtta

MECHANIC FALLS — Bolstered by positive market reaction to their latest product introductions, Auburn Manufacturing (AMI) has added a new position, Vice President of Innovation Engineering, to its management team to support the company’s strong commitment to continuous improvement and growth as a leader in advanced textiles.

The Mechanic Falls-based manufacturer has named industry veteran Garrett VanAtta to the position, where he will spearhead initiatives aimed at improving product quality, process efficiencies, and the development of new products and services for its customers around the world.

"We're dedicated to constant innovation and improvement and with this new position we have the opportunity to realize our goals of growing our manufacturing base here in the state of Maine," says AMI President Kathie Leonard. "Garrett VanAtta brings a terrific mix of experience and vision to our team."

VanAtta managed textile operations and engineering at Polartec's Malden Mills facilities in Maine and Massachusetts, and most recently served as President of SPX Communications Technology where he oversaw the development of innovative wireless products for the global market.

AMI is a leader in fire- and heat-resistant materials, exporting textiles to more than 38 countries from its facilities in Mechanic Falls and Auburn. It was the first company to have all of its hot work safety fabrics third-party certified by FM Approvals to a rigorous performance standard that has become mandatory industry-wide.


Their newest introduction, the patented EverGreen® Cut 'n Wrap Insulation Kits, utilizes computer-aided manufacturing to create modular, flexible pipe and valve insulation for significant energy savings in hospital, university, government and industrial facilities.

For more information, please contact Judy Paolini at judyp@tpda.com or 871-1813.