Staff Writer
HOULTON — The continued expansion of manufacturing jobs at Smith & Wesson prompted a visit from Sen. Olympia Snowe last week when she toured the Houlton plant and talked with employees about their job responsibilities and concerns.
Staff photo/Elna Seabrooks
Smith & Wesson has turned out more that six million handcuffs according to Scott Allen, center, the Houlton facility’s operations manager. The company is the top manufacturer of handcuffs and guns worldwide. With Allen at the display of leg irons, belly chains and colored handcuffs are Sen. Olympia Snowe and Terry Wade, plant manager.
“That becomes my lifeline, frankly, in many ways in the job that I do in Washington — to hear first hand from my constituents about what’s important to them, to see where they work and where they live in the community. I know these are very challenging times because we have to focus in Washington on preserving jobs and rejuvenating this economy so we can move forward in a positive way that gives people confidence about the future direction of the nation,” said Snowe.
Snow said she wanted to congratulate Smith & Wesson and appreciated “the jobs they provide in Houlton and the value of the workforce and the work ethic of the men and women.”
“These are tough times. Individuals and families are facing harsh circumstances with high unemployment and I would like to hear their comments on any of the issues and how we are addressing them or not addressing them in Washington in the polarizing environment,” continued Snowe.
Listening and observing tour
While touring the facility, Snowe stopped at most of the workstations shaking hands, asking employees about their role in the manufacturing process and what they thought of their jobs. “I was extremely impressed, first of all, that the workforce is very happy here, they love their work and they are appreciative of the fact that Smith & Wesson is here with the benefits they provide. The outstanding workmanship is evident from the workforce and the products they produce. And, I think that’s why Smith & Wesson has continued to grow and expand. It’s all a tribute to the workforce,” said Snowe.
Staff photo/Elna Seabrooks
Susan Goetsch tells Sen. Olympia Snowe about the process to assemble and finish handcuffs.
Terry Wade, plant manager said the visit “really lifted up employees’ morale because they see there are people who appreciate what they do. And, it’s a good deal for everyone.”
The intricacies of the manufacturing process were not lost on the Senator who asked questions and pointed out to her aides the employees’ attention to detail and the degree of precision involved. The company is the number-one manufacturer of guns and handcuffs in the world. At one station she picked up a thumb lever and marveled at its small size. At another she saw handcuffs being assembled and learned how they are nickel-plated or coated in fashion colors for appeal to a niche market.
Scott Allen, operations manager called it “a great day to have the senator in and talk to our folks and see what we do and keep us in mind when things pop up that could help us up here.”
The vexing lag in the nation’s economic recovery, particularly in her home state, drew out a sense of conviction from the senator to help resolve some of the issues that are key to a turnaround — like rail transportation. “That is a major issue of concern to me and I and my staff have been working on this since Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway has announced their decision and petition for abandonment. We have been working non-stop with federal and state officials. I also spoke with the president of the line recently about the whole situation.”
Snowe added that she understands the role of the rail line is absolutely vital to economic development in Aroostook County and she is working “to find a solution because more than two dozen industries are dependent upon it. You need to have various modes of transportation. We are trying to restore rail links in other parts of the state as well because it is a vital link to the rural economy. The alternative is unacceptable.”
Staff photo/Elna Seabrooks
Todd Cameron, a machine operator, showed Sen. Olympia Snowe, part of the process in manufacturing thumb safety levers for the Walther PPK, also known as the gun made famous in the James Bond movies.
The importance of small business in an economic recovery, said Snowe, is critical to job growth especially in Maine which, she added, is a small business state. “Expanding credit line limits is very important. I am seeking to extend several initiatives and lending programs in the stimulus plan that expired last year because it actually spurred lending in Maine by more than 270 percent nationally and 86 percent in Maine. A jobless recovery is not a true recovery. I am pushing for a small business package because it could make a difference.”
Snowe added that there are several proposals that would help small businesses like reduction or elimination of lender fees and immediate expensing write-offs so that businesses will know how to plan.
