BIDDEFORD, ME – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) today joined local students, teachers, and manufacturers at Pratt & Whitney in North Berwick to celebrate the importance of Maine manufacturing for the state’s economy and traditions and help expose students to high-tech manufacturing opportunities in Maine. The event, hosted by the Manufacturers Association of Maine and Lockheed Martin, included a Lockheed Martin F-35 Cockpit Demonstrator that students were able to test. Senator King last week cosponsored the Senate resolution to recognize October 6, 2017 as National Manufacturing Day.

            “From jet engines to L.L. Bean boots to semiconductors to two-by-fours, Maine is uniquely positioned to leverage a wide range of manufacturing jobs that can create opportunities and help Maine people thrive,” Senator King said. “Virtually every business I go to in Maine, whether it be north, south, east, or west – they need good people, they need qualified workers. With over 1,000 manufacturing jobs open in our state right now, it is great to take days like today to highlight the importance of manufacturing for our economy and show young people they can find good-paying jobs right here in Maine.”

Today’s event, held during Manufacturing Month, brought about 40 students from across seven Maine schools to Pratt & Whitney in North Berwick’s facility, which employs approximately 1,700 Maine people. Pratt & Whitney manufactures the F135 propulsion system for the F-35 fighter jet.

Following the visit to Pratt & Whitney, Senator King toured York County Shelters Program in Alfred and discussed the facility’s emergency shelters, medical care, psychiatric care and addiction services. Senator King ended the day at Haley’s Metal in Biddeford, a 5^th generation family-owned business with more than 50 employees. Senator King presented father and son Brian and Matt Haley with a Congressional Record Statement in honor of their 100^th anniversary in business.

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