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| Dana Delano |
Houlton manufacturing executive to spearhead MEP program
CARIBOU — The small and mid-sized manufacturing operations in Aroostook and Washington counties have a new champion, as Houlton resident Dana Delano recently accepted a position with the Northern Maine Development Commission as the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership project manager under the umbrella of NMDC’s Economic and Workforce Development Division.
According to NMDC officials, Delano will work with small- and mid-size manufacturers in Aroostook and Washington counties to enhance their productivity, innovation capacity, technological performance and global competitiveness in his new role as MEP manager.
Delano previously was employed as director of sales and marketing at Ward Cedar Log Homes in Houlton.
A University of Maine graduate, Delano brings nearly 30 years of experience in Maine’s wood products manufacturing industry.
“Dana brings a wealth of manufacturing, sales and marketing experience and will do an outstanding job serving the region’s business community,” said Ryan Pelletier, the director of Economic and Workforce Development at NMDC. “As the MEP program manager, he will work directly with companies to help them identify conditions that may be impeding the ability to become more efficient, competitive and prosperous.”
Part of a nationwide network of centers under the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Maine MEP’s mission is to create and retain manufacturing jobs by helping firms improve their productivity and profitability. The nonprofit organization provides a variety of services — from innovation strategies to process improvements to supply chain solutions to green manufacturing — all designed to help manufacturers create new products, develop new customers and expand into new markets.
“Maine MEP is pleased to welcome Dana to our statewide team of project managers,” said Bruce Pulkinnen, chair of the MEP board of directors. “Our project managers serve as trusted business advisers who can help manufacturers solve challenges and identify opportunities for growth. Dana’s extensive experience analyzing markets and developing successful sales strategies in a core Maine industry will strengthen the collective expertise of our organization and serve as a valuable resource to manufacturers in Washington and Aroostook counties.”
“I am very excited to serve as the MEP project manager and join the NMDC team,” said Delano. “My experience as an executive in the log home manufacturing and construction industry directly correlates to this position.”
Delano is active in the Houlton Rotary Club and the Church of the Good Shepherd, and has served on various municipal boards and industry committees.
He will begin his new position, which is primarily based out of Houlton, on June 14.
