Partnerships in Engineering Innovation: RollEase and AMC
RollEase Innovation Center in Brunswick, Maine, opened in 2014 and began taking advantage of the research and development capabilities of the University of Maine’s Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC). The innovation center has collaborated with AMC in numerous projects — from testing products and new materials to doing new component design and running software programs to validate designs and calculations.
RollEase Inc., headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, is the leading designer and largest manufacturer of clutch-based window covering operating systems worldwide and the third largest distributor of roller shade fabric in the U.S.
“One of the primary reasons we decided to make a multimillion dollar investment to locate our new innovation center here was to be within close proximity of the University of Maine and be in a position to work with their advanced manufacturing program,” said Greg Farr, senior vice president and chief innovation officer for RollEase in written testimony to the legislative committees of appropriations and financial affairs, and education and cultural affairs.
“Our company is very fortunate to have access to the world-class people and facilities of the Advanced Manufacturing Center, for we would never have made the kind of progress we’ve made to date on our own,” said Farr, writing on behalf of the requested appropriation for the University of Maine System from the Maine Economic Improvement Fund (MEIF).
The Advanced Manufacturing Center is an engineering support and service center that is dedicated to promoting manufacturing economic development in Maine.