Economic Development

Maine Public Service Company is your business partner in northern Maine.  Whether you're looking for information on available buildings, sites, incentives, workforce availability, or existing businesses, MPS is your one stop source for information.  MPS puts a lot of energy into northern Maine.

More Than a Beautiful Place to Live...

The northern Maine region is more than a beautiful place to live.  It is also a great place to work and do business.  The area is home to a diverse set of business that includes companies such as...Nexfor Fraser Papers, McCain Foods USA, MBNA, Burrelle's Information Services, Sitel, Smith & Wesson, ATX Forms, Irving Forest Products and others.  Major Employers 

The people of northern Maine are well known for their work ethic.  Area business leaders often credit the regions workforce for their success.  "Our existence here in Houlton is a tribute to our Aroostook County workforce and a great work ethic, along with a willingness to learn new ideas and produce fine-quality products."  Terry Wade, Plant Manager, Smith & Wesson

Serious About Economic Growth...

The northern Maine region and its Canadian partners are serious about economic growth.  We realize that in order to ensure our quality of life and to provide opportunities in the future, we must diversify and grow our economy.  Traditional Maine industries, such as wood products manufacturing, paper-making, and food processing will always be an important part of the region's economy, but significant opportunities exist for new industries.  We are working hard to provide prospective companies with the tools they need to locate in northern Maine. 

• The State has put together a comprehensive and aggressive incentives program. 
• The region boasts a robust and reliable telecommunications infrastructure comparable to that of Boston.
• Aroostook County has been named a Rural Empowerment Zone.  This designation provides valuable tax incentives for companies locating in northern Maine.
• Maine Public Service Company offers Economic Development Rates for many companies locating or expanding in the region.  In addition to EDR, MPSCo negotiates special rate contracts with most of its largest customers.
• Inexpensive lease and purchase rates for quality office, call-center and manufacturing space.

Pine Tree Development Zones Enacted

The Maine State Legislature enacted Governor Baldacci's Pine Tree Development Zones as part of the FY 2004 State Budget. The Zones will be used as a stimulus for economic development in parts of the state and will provide businesses with tax incentives and other benefits. Aroostook County will be home to one of the zones and can add this to the existing Rural Empowerment Zones, as a powerful tool attracting businesses to the northern part of the State. The Pine Tree Zones provide companies with 100% exemption on state corporate income tax for the first 5 years of operation as well as 100% sales tax exemptions for all building materials and personal property purchases. To learn more about the Pine Tree Zone Program or download the bill text, click here.

     Maine Public Service Company is a subsidiary of Maine & Maritimes Corporation.