BRUNSWICK, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) joined with local and state officials to cut the ribbon officially opening a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility for Modula, a global manufacturer of automated vertical storage systems. The new facility, which serves as Modula’s North America headquarters, employs about 50 people and is the result of a $10 million investment by the company. In his remarks at the event, Senator King, who continues to work in the Senate to reignite the country’s manufacturing sector, emphasized that Modula is part of a positive manufacturing trend in Maine and around New England.

“In Lewiston, Modula recognized a talented workforce and the potential to succeed, and we are pleased to welcome them as they officially open this state-of-the-art facility that will put people to work in good-paying jobs and help stimulate economic activity and growth in the region,” Senator King said. “I continue to believe that our manufacturing sector’s best days are ahead, and Modula is an excellent example of that and of how we can continue to strengthen an industry that helped build this nation’s middle class.”

Modula is an Italian-owned global manufacturer that specializes in automated vertical storage and picking systems for warehouse operations that are designed to help optimize space and improve efficiency. The company has invested $6 million in new equipment at the Lewiston facility. Worldwide, Modula has a total of three plants – two in Italy and the one in Lewiston. The company employs 250 people, about 50 of which work in Lewiston.

Senators King has worked to help strengthen American manufacturing and jumpstart innovation that will lead to growth and create steady, good-paying jobs. He cosponsored the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2014, which the President signed into law in December of 2014 to establish a network of industry-led manufacturing institutes to help bridge the gap between research and development and improve access to cutting-edge equipment and capabilities.

Senator King also recently visited manufacturers in York County and New Hampshire with Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) to highlight positive trends in New England’s manufacturing sector, including STEM education partnerships that are helping students to gain real-world skills while providing manufacturers with the workforce of tomorrow. 

Photo 1: Senator King helps cut the ribbon officially opening the Modula facility in Lewiston.

Photo 2: Senator King surveys some of the new, advanced manufacturing equipment at the Modula facility in Lewiston.

Photo 3: Senator King delivers remarks during the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Modula facility in Lewiston.

###