Western Polymer set to revive Fort starch facility

    FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — Western Polymer Corp. (WPC), in partnership with LTWAW, LLC, was recently certified as eligible to receive economic development incentives from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) for its manufacturing facility in Fort Fairfield. Over the next five years, the company is poised to invest as much as $1 million in facility upgrades and training at the former Aroostook Starch Co. WPC may also hire as many as five new employees over the next few years, in addition to the 10 employees that were hired since its acquisition of the facility.    “Drawing new private investment to Maine is a vital strategy for our continued economic progress,” said Gov. Paul R. LePage in a press release. “As I often say, investment goes where it is welcomed and stays where it is appreciated. I am pleased that Western Polymer is making its investment here, and we will do all we can to let them know their investment is welcomed and greatly appreciated.”
WPC, which purchased the manufacturing plant and equipment of Aroostook Starch Co. June 28, 2013, is a manufacturer of potato starch products used mainly in paper processing. Headquartered in Moses Lake, Wash., it is the largest wet-end cationic potato starch supplier to the paper industry in the Northwest. In addition, WPC supplies and services paper mills throughout the United States.
The company’s investments in the Fort Fairfield facility, located at 145 Presque Isle St., include improvements to the building, employee training and the purchase of machinery, equipment and electronics.
Lynn Townsend-White, president/CEO of WPC, described the company’s move to Maine as a quantifiable advantage.
“We have worked with paper mills in Maine, but have never had a facility any further east than North Dakota,” said Townsend-White. “Since Maine is another potato producing region, it was a good strategic move for our company. Although our concentration has primarily been in providing industrial grade potato starch to the paper industry, our Maine plant allows us the opportunity to diversify by manufacturing food grade potato starch.
“We are currently building our base of business and have invested heavily in upgrades to the plant and employees,” she said. “DECD’s programs of assistance will help us to be more competitive.”
WPC’s relationship with DECD was and is currently maintained through Gov. LePage Account Executive (GAX) Brian Doyle, who reached out to the company shortly after their arrival in Maine. Doyle was able to help solidify WPC’s application for DECD-approved aid, and will remain a liaison to the company moving forward.
“We’re very excited for opportunities to help generate job and business growth in Maine,” said DECD Commissioner George Gervais. “By way of our versatile economic tool kit and our knowledgeable governor’s account executives, companies like Western Polymer are assured that the state of Maine will provide whatever assistance and support is available to help them compete. It’s a win-win for the people of Fort Fairfield and, indeed, for all of Maine.”
The Fort Fairfield acquisition will be the third starch manufacturing site for the corporation. The company’s other starch plants are located in Grand Forks, N.D. and Moses Lake, Wash. FMI on Western Polymer Corp., log onto www.westernpolymer.com.