Maine Senator Susan Collins joins Mark Miklos, right, the CEO of Fiber Materials Inc. and Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant in celebrating FMI’s 50th anniversary in Biddeford on Wednesday. COURTESY PHOTO
BIDDEFORD — Fiber Materials Inc. celebrated its 50th anniversary in Biddeford on Wednesday morning and U.S. Senator Susan Collins joined FMI’s leadership, FMI employees, and Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant to mark the occasion.
Collins delivered remarks at the formal ceremony, which was followed by a festival consisting of an outdoor carnival, food trucks, games, and facility tours.
“Happy 50th birthday, FMI. I am delighted to celebrate this golden anniversary with the skilled and dedicated people who are putting Maine on the cutting edge of technology,” Collins said. “The work done here in Biddeford is spurring a new manufacturing economy for Maine and America.”
She said she especially commends FMI for its commitment to workforce development here in Maine.
“The close relationships your company has established with the University of Maine, our community colleges, and local trade schools are connecting workers with good jobs and creating limitless opportunities for the people of our state,” she said.
Collins pointed out that Maine’s economy was founded on building materials and fabric.
“We are now in the age of carbon fiber and ceramic composites,” she said. “You are continuing our traditions and leading the way to the future. Congratulations on this landmark anniversary, and thank you for the outstanding work you do.”
Founded in 1969, FMI develops and manufactures high temperature materials and composites for use in industrial, commercial, and aerospace applications. With two locations in Biddeford, FMI produces carbon/carbon composites, soft and rigid insulation, and advanced polymer matrix composites.
Materials made by FMI can be found inside industrial furnaces, at the National Air and Space Museum, and on equipment that supports missions to Mars.
The company has more than 180 employees in Biddeford and foresees growth to as many as 250 employees next year.
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