Maine has initiated a new network of incubator centers to assist with growth and development in various industries. The Applied Technology Centers will focus on the environment, biotechnology, information technology, forestry and agricultural technologies, manufacturing and aquaculture. Maine appropriated $5.5 million for the launch of the centers, and all seven will have completed construction or renovation of existing facilities shortly and will be fully operational by the end of this year.
      The final center, the Sanford Composite Materials Development Center, was approved late in the summer of 2001 and will assist businesses that market new products in the composite materials sector, which includes wood composites, fiber reinforced materials and carbon nanostructures. The center is operated by the Sanford Industrial Development Corporation and has opened the facility in the Sanford Industrial Park.
      Maine has seen several large paper and lumber investments in the last year. Madison Paper, Sappi Somerset Mill and Tambrands will all expand their manufacturing facilities across the state. Midwest Forest Products is building a $13 million new chipping mill in West Paris, and Morse Brothers will employ 100 workers at its new bark mulch processing facility in Auburn.