Manufacturers Association of Maine (MAMe)

In the face of federal defense budget cuts, the Manufacturers Association of Maine (MAMe), a non-profit organization that provides business growth services to over 300 Maine companies, contracted ResearchFDI to help Maine defense contractors develop market entry strategies, as part of the “Defense Diversification Program”. The program served as a lifeline for defense contractors navigating the challenging terrain of federal defense budget cuts and was awarded the “Program of the Year Award” by a regional trade group. ResearchFDI worked closely with MAMe companies, providing tailored solutions designed to assist the manufacturers in diversifying their domestic and international sales channels. This case study highlights the remarkable achievements brought about by ResearchFDI’s unparalleled trade development services. 

Activities: 

• Tailored Market Analysis and Research: The trade development team worked one-on-one with MAMe companies to identify what unique services or products can be leveraged in markets outside of defense and then designed a tailored lead generation program for each company to expand their markets in the US and Canada. 
• Development of 20 Customized Trade Development Strategies: ResearchFDI conducted in-depth market research to identify the most promising markets for each manufacturer, including recommendations for targeting and a marketing audit on client-facing materials. These tailored strategies ensured that each MAMe company had the highest chance of success in their market expansion.  
• Qualified Lead Generation: ResearchFDI worked closely with each company to provide targeted lead generation programs, maximizing their opportunities for international sales and diversification. ResearchFDI’s targeted, data-driven approach resulted in scheduling with over 250 qualified leads, demonstrating the promising global opportunities for MAMe companies.  

Results: 

The collaboration between ResearchFDI and MAMe yielded remarkable results, with over 250 sales meetings booked, and an astonishing $55 million USD in new sales revenues generated for the participating companies. 

Sample Company Results: 

• Silvex: This Maine-based manufacturing company specializes in silver plating and platinum advanced plating. ResearchFDI worked to design and implement a tailored lead generation program, focusing on expanding Silvex’s market reach. As a result of these efforts, Silvex was awarded an anodizing contract for defense manufacturers in the North East U.S.  
• Hunting-Dearborn: This Main-based company is leader in the manufacturing of precision highly advanced CNC machined components. The ResearchFDI team identified new markets in which Hunting-Dearborn’s services could best be leveraged outside of the defense industry. This led to Hunting-Dearborn winning a contract with Siemens Wind Energy to provide gear components for Wind Turbines.   

The partnership between the Manufacturers Association of Maine (MAMe) and ResearchFDI has proven to be instrumental in providing new opportunities for Maine’s defense contractors. Through our B2B Trade Development Services, ReseachFDI successfully facilitated the expansion of domestic and international sales channels for MAMe companies, enabling growth and diversification, and positioning MAMe companies for sustained success. The remarkable outcomes of the partnership not only showcases the resilience and adaptability of Maine’s manufacturing sector but also underscores the critical role that strategic trade development plays in times of budget constraints and economic uncertainty.