Courtesy / Compotech
Paul Melrose.
April 13, 2023
Composites manufacturer in Brewer named in global list of top shops
Courtesy / Compotech
Brandon Brown, a machine operator at Compotech, works to ensure precise measurements. Compotech was named one of the top 12 facilities of its kind in the world.
Compotech Inc., a high-tech defense manufacturing and tech company in Brewer, was one of 12 in its peer group to be named a top composite manufacturing company worldwide by the industry publication Composites World.
Compotech, at 55 Baker Blvd., manufactures blast and ballistic-proof hardware, re-deployable shelters, and software solutions. Its work has concentrated on artificial intelligence and machine learning in order to develop state-of-the-art protection solutions.
“Our use of automation in our manufacturing operations differentiates our company from competitors,” Paul Melrose, president of Compotech, said in a news release. “For example, we have combatted labor shortages through robotic automation capable of performing repetitive tasks like sanding and grinding fiberglass.”
In the write-up in Composites World, Compotech was cited for having big goals and a focus on sustainability. Melrose told Composites World that the company plans to double its revenue this year and bring on 20 new employees, allowing the company to commission a new production line for developing and supporting its defense technology.
Compotech started in 2011 as a spinoff from the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine. The company has grown quickly since then.
The company operates in a 20,000-square-foot facility with 30 employees, processing materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, Kevlar, balsa, foam, ceramic, stainless steel and aluminum. Compotech uses processes such as vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding, computer numerical cutting tools and robotic welding. In addition to defense, end markets include aerospace and marine.
“In addition to Compotech Inc.’s plans to double its revenue in 2023 and onboard 20 new employees, we plan to commission a new production line to develop and support our defense technology,” Melrose said in the write-up. “Our use of automation in our manufacturing operations differentiates our company from competitors. For example, we have combated labor shortages through robotic automation capable of performing repetitive tasks like sanding and grinding fiberglass.”
Melrose noted that sustainability plays a role in operations.
“At Compotech Inc., scrap materials are minimized and reintegrated as frequently as possible to optimize sustainability during manufacturing,” he said. “Often, we can use scrap from larger jobs to produce parts for smaller jobs or prototypes.”
The list of top shops is based on a benchmarking survey that collects data on metrics including scrap rate, order lead time, capacity utilization, sales per employee, supply chain practices and certifications.
Composite applications include boats, wind blades, airplanes and automobiles.
Composites World, a publication of the fiber-reinforced composites manufacturing industry, is part of Gardner Business Media Inc. in Cincinnati. Other U.S. shops on the top 12 list are in Texas, Rhode Island, New York, Maryland, Utah, South Carolina and Florida. Also on the list are companies in Greece, Northern Ireland and India.
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