Sen. Baldacci applauds research and development investments in Senate District 9

Posted: February 25, 2026 | Senator Baldacci

AUGUSTA — Today, Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor, celebrated $1,000,000 of research and development awards and private sector matching funds to businesses in Senate District 9, recently announced by Gov. Janet Mills and the Maine Technology Institute (MTI). Investments in Nyle Water Heating Systems, Inc. and ReForm Composites Engineering, LLC will help grow the greater Bangor area’s economy, support local jobs and make Maine more competitive on the global stage.

“I’m glad to see these investments being made in the City of Bangor,” said Sen. Baldacci. “We have the expertise, the industry and, with this additional funding, we have all the means necessary to help the State of Maine become a leader in renewable home heating technology and in the manufacturing and commercialization of advanced composite materials.”

The awards were made possible by the voter-approved, $25 million research and development bond measure placed on the ballot by the Maine Legislature in 2024 and supported by Sen. Baldacci. This year, 23 awards were made across nine counties, creating 1,233 jobs, supporting 2,718 current jobs and unlocking over $700 million in private sector matching funds.

MTI’s summaries of awards in Senate District 24 follow.

Nyle Water Heating Systems, Inc in Bangor is receiving $150,000 from the Research and Development Bond with an additional $150,000 in matched private funding.

This investment will enable Nyle Water Heating Systems to upgrade their environmental test chamber — a critical asset that supports the research and commercialization in New England’s environmental and renewable energy technology sector.

ReForm Composites Engineering in Bangor is receiving $350,000 from the Research and Development Bond, with an additional $350,000 in matched private funding.

This funding will establish Maine’s first Continuous Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastic manufacturing line to accelerate the commercialization of advanced composite technologies. ReForm Composites Engineering will build, install and commission multiple scalable Continuous Forming Machine lines, enabling automated production of high-strength, recyclable thermoplastic composite profiles. The work includes equipment procurement, facility upgrades, process integration and validation of manufacturing readiness.  

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