Oxford home manufacturer’s plans will increase production
By Jim Smedley
Staff Writer

OXFORD – Keiser Industries Inc. announced Wednesday a plant expansion that will increase business by 50 percent and lead to hiring 50 new employees.

A 50-by-100-foot building will be erected to house a welding shop and storage. A parking area will be created, also.

Joseph Martin, director of sales and marketing, said Keiser has been experiencing phenomenal growth in sales.

“Now we have to get the production to match,” he said.

Tim Farrar, director of operations, said the plant now produces more than it can store.

Currently the company makes 12 units per week and plans to increase to 18 units per week by year’s end.

Martin said Keiser is diversifying into the upscale house and condo market. He said the company’s primary market is coastal Maine, southern New Hampshire and eastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod.

Stephen Miller, director of finance, said the plant employed 160 when it started its new expansion about a month ago. It has since added 20 people. It is expected that 30 more jobs will be added between now and July 31, the target date for completion of the addition.

Keiser is a subsidiary of Saunders Brothers of Westbrook, which also owns several wood product facilities in Oxford County.

Keiser chief executive officer Clyde Pingree said the management group considered several off-site options before deciding to expand the Oxford facility.

“Keiser has been fortunate to attract and retain a superior workforce from the Oxford Hills and surrounding areas, and we continue to show our faith in the skills of local workers and support the expansion.”

The Growth Council of Oxford Hills and the Department of Economic and Community Development will also be assisting Keiser Industries with employee recruitment and training grant applications.