WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) today welcomed news that Ecoshel, a producer of premium quality shingle roofing and siding panels, intends to create 78 jobs in Ashland by manufacturing its newly-patented cedar shingle system at the Levesque Mill Complex on Levesque Mill Road. The announcement was made this afternoon by Governor Paul LePage and Ecoshel CEO Bryan Kirkey.

Initial plans include the addition of up to 10 production lines over the next several years, and it is estimated that an additional 150 jobs will be created indirectly by the Ecoshel operations.

“Today’s announcement is outstanding and welcome news for both Aroostook County and the State of Maine,” Senator King said. “As we know, the region has endured severe economic hardship as a result of mill closures and dormant facilities, but the creation of 78 jobs at the former Levesque Mill Complex will breathe new life into the area and serve as a boon to the local forestry-industry, which is critical to the economic vitality of northern Maine and the state as a whole.”

Since 2011, Ecoshel has been in beta production of their Smart-Shingle System, premium cedar shingle panels for roofing and siding. The company decided to locate its permanent manufacturing facility in Maine for its proximity to an abundance of northern white cedar and the nation’s largest cedar shingle markets in New England.

Pictured from left to right at the official announcement: Sharon Campbell, Regional Representative to Senator King; George Gervais, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development; Bryan Kirkey, Chief Executive Officer of Ecoshel; Rosaire Pelletier, Representative of Governor Paul LePage; Larry Carrier, owner of Ashland Mill; Phil Bosse, Regional Representative to Senator Susan Collins, Chuck Driscoll, Ashland Town Councilor; Ralph Dwyer, Ashland Town Manager; and Theresa Fowler of the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce.

###