Two Maine companies celebrated for innovation

The Maine Wood Products Association recognized two in-state companies — Pride Manufacturing Co. of Burnham and Longleaf Lumber Co. of Berwick — with its Pine Tree and Pine Cone awards, respectively.

“The companies have shown innovation, growth, success and leadership in their respective industry sectors,” trade group executive director Kris Cornish says. “Having two winners, representing a large and small company, allows the MWPA to showcase the creativity and innovative spirit at both ends of the manufacturing spectrum.”

Pride Manufacturing is the world’s largest manufacturer of wooden golf tees. It also makes wooden cigar tips and plastic golf cleats and has 140 full-time employees at its Burnham manufacturing facility.

Pride recently secured a contract to produce Lincoln Logs for K’Nex Industries of Hatfield, Pa. The toy was previously made in China.

“Pride Manufacturing’s innovation is helping to bring manufacturing back to the United States, closer to the large consumer market in this country. This is a great example for our industry,” Cornish says.

Longleaf Lumber is a family-owned-and-operated reclaimed lumber mill producing flooring, paneling, beams, stair parts and other millwork products. It has 14 full-time employees. The company places a strong focus on sustainable practices, including sawdust upcycling.

“Longleaf Lumber is a great model that demonstrates that sustainable practices and business success go hand in hand,” Cornish says.

The winners were honored at an awards banquet in July. For more, visit www.mwpa.org.

This article originally appeared in the November 2015 issue.