NOMINATED BY ANDREW DORR, MACHIAS SAVINGS BANK
Manufacturing businesses can often rely on traditional industries to build their customer base and grow, or they can develop new technologies and methods entirely. When Compotech was founded in 2011 by UMaine grads Jacques Nader and Paul Melrose, they chose to pursue advanced composite manufacturing. Early on, they hired Tyler Jolicoeur as their first employee—an investment that paid off, as he is now part owner and leads the expeditionary business unit.
As they built their team and operations, Compotech pursued a U.S. Army contract for contingency-based shelters. Though confident in their product, they needed support to compete as a small manufacturer. Through the SBA’s Certificate of Competency program, they demonstrated their capabilities and secured a $4.2 million contract. They also utilized an SBA line of credit to scale production, pay suppliers, and manage deliveries. This success established Compotech as a trusted supplier and opened the door to continued opportunities through the SBA Office of Government Contracting.
Compotech has since expanded to over 50,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space, growing from 20 employees in 2021 to 80 today. The company has been named to the Inc. 5000 list for three consecutive years, most recently ranking #31 among U.S. manufacturers and #3 among Maine-based firms, reflecting a 421% growth rate. It has also been recognized globally as a Top Shop Honoree by CompositesWorld. Much of this momentum is driven by expanding work with the U.S. Department of Defense, including multimillion-dollar contracts for advanced shelter protection systems—demonstrating that Maine can support cutting-edge, advanced manufacturing industries.
Beyond their business success, Compotech’s leadership remains committed to giving back, supporting local nonprofits, education, and industry development initiatives that help strengthen Maine’s workforce and manufacturing ecosystem.
Because of their exceptional growth and impact on Maine’s manufacturing industry, the SBA has named Compotech the 2026 Small Business Manufacturer of the Year for both Maine and New England.
