SANFORD — Three established manufacturers in south Sanford are adding more space this season ”“ a signal, some say, that the economy may be picking up.

As well, there are new hangars being built at Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport, the Sanford Housing Authority is planning new offices downtown on School Street, and a local congregation will build a new house of worship over on Shaw’s Ridge.

There’s the long-planned renovation of the old Sanford Mill on Washington Street to residential and commercial units, which developers say is poised to begin soon, and an ever-changing retail mix downtown and in Springvale. Local folks involved in economic development say it appears that the stagnation Sanford and other communities experienced during the Great Recession may be in the past.

Economic Development Specialist Suzanne McKechnie of the Sanford Regional Economic Growth Council said there’s been “quite a bit” of interest in vacant land parcels, with a view to possible light manufacturing.

“There’s been a positive flow of people inquiring about business development in the last six months,” said McKechnie.

In the manufacturing sector, Advanced Building Products, which produces an array of green roofing, masonry flashing and products used in moisture management and ventilation, needs more room and is constructing a new, 9,000-square-foot building to enhance its present space. President Richard Lolley said his company’s markets are coast to coast and in Canada. Asked if he sees signs that business is picking up, Lolley said simply that over the last couple of years, his work crew has increased from 12 to 18 employees.

Another manufacturer, Flemish Master Weavers, is adding 60,000 square feet of warehouse space because demand for their rugs continues to grow. The addition marks the company’s second expansion since 2008, and while the new space itself won’t mean an uptick in hiring, Flemish Master Weavers has expanded its workforce by 30 since 2010, said company President Johan Moulin in an April interview. Concrete for the new addition was poured this week.

Gregory Patterson, who handles the commercial building division of Patco Construction, which he owns with his brother, Mark, said a third manufacturer, New England Truck Tire, is planning to add 10,000 square feet. The owner, John Stevens, couldn’t be reached for comment for this story; the company manufactures retread tires for trucks.

And while the retail picture in town is somewhat mixed, with new businesses opening but some others closing, longtime Chamber of Commerce President Rick Stanley said so far it seems that the number of new and expanding retailers is outpacing the number of closures.

He pointed to the popularity of the Springvale Publick House, which opened last year, and the nearby French Connection, which recently expanded. But he also took note of a Chinese restaurant in Springvale that recently closed, along with a gift shop there, and in downtown Sanford, a bakery that specialized in cupcakes recently baked its last batch.

Still, the gains are notable. Aubuchon Hardware left its longtime location for another, larger space on Main Street in Springvale, Napa Auto Parts left its shop on River Street and took advantage of a larger, more visible Main Street location. A long-vacant bank building downtown will be a new mobile telephone store, while a local woman recently opened a new doughnut business there. In south Sanford, a long-vacant building last used as an auto glass store is poised to become a seafood restaurant, and Springvale Nurseries plans a move from leased space on Shaw’s Ridge to a new location in the former Sanford Institution for Savings bank building on Main Street, opposite Bonanza Restaurant. Julie Tero, who is involved in the family business with her parents, said the new space’s more visible location is a factor in the decision to relocate ”“ there’s more traffic, she said.

Patco is building the additions at Advanced Building Products, Flemish Master Weavers and New England Truck Tire. Greg Patterson said he’s taking note not only of the projects his company is building, but others, too, like the hangars under construction at the airport.

“This is exciting,” he said of the growth in Sanford.

Stanley, the chamber president, agreed and said interest rates are favorable for commercial lenders. For retailers, he said, location is a key factor, and those contemplating niche businesses should take time to survey the market, and talk to the Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Administration.

As well, Stanley said he speaks frequently to manufacturers who are chamber members.

“In general, they say things are looking up. I don’t get a negative response when I ask,” said Stanley. “They say things are looking up, or they’re holding their own.”

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, Ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.