Photo credit: Roger MarchandOn her tour of the the Flowfold facility, Governor Janet Mills watched Production Manager Maxine Harmon construct a sailcloth bag.
Governor Janet Mills visited the Flowfold company on Tuesday, Oct. 24 to announce a new initiative, part of the governor’s Domestic Trade Program to support Maine’s overall economic growth. Flowfold, which makes all its products at its facility in the Gorham Industrial Park, was part of a pilot project designed to provide technical and financial assistance that helps Maine Businesses increase sales outside of the state.
Mills, who lived in Gorham as a child, toured the plant with CE0 and co-founder Devin McNeill. “Gorham means something to me,” she said. “I lived at the corner of Main and Elm Streets and had a paper route up Main Street.” McNeill explained that his company started making wallets on Peaks Island in 2010 and in 2018 moved to Gorham from Scarborough. They have 15 employees who make bags, backpacks, and other products from recycled sailcloth. Flowfold outdoor gear is sold in ten Maine stores, including L.L. Bean. They also make dog leashes from recycled rope. McNeill said that 50% of their business is online and 90% of sales are out-of-state.
During the pandemic, Flowfold made thousands of face shields and children’s masks for hospitals, schools, and the State of Maine. Mills commended the company for their shield production that saved lives and preserved Maine livelihoods.
Mills said the available new $6 million grant program will help small businesses such as Flowfold participate in trade shows and develop marketing plans to increase the sale of Maine products across the country. She said since 2019 Maine’s economy has grown 19% and is getting stronger, with more growth in the last four years than in the past fifteen.