PARIS – Maine Machine Products kicked off its recent expansion into the oil and gas exploration industry Friday by unveiling its newest high tech machining center.

The imposing-looking machine – named the Mazak Integrex e-Series – took center stage at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by dozens of state and local dignitaries and representatives from the Houston, Texas-based company Baker Hughes, the company’s largest customer in the effort.

“This is a new endeavor, a new adventure for us,” said Tom Galley, chief operating officer of the company.

Maine Machine was founded in 1956 by Roland Sutton in a three-story wooden building with four pieces of belt-driven equipment, operated by a three-horse powered engine. It now employs 160 people and operates two shifts in a 75,000-square-foot facility on Prospect Avenue.

“The stronger our revenue, the stronger the employment base,” Galley said. A total of 40 new employees were hired just in the past year.

Maine Machine provides complete manufacturing services from concept support through production. In particular, officials say the company specializes in manufacturing challenging parts that can not be manufactured by other machine shops or outsourced to China. Galley said the company’s ability to provide that type of service has allowed Maine Machine to reinvent itself and diversify its interests, thereby allowing the company to continue to grow.

The Mazak Integrex e-Series, the most advanced multi-tasking machine in the industry, was an $800,000 investment. The machine combines manufacturing technology enabling the efficient completion of all operations – turning, milling, boring, drilling and so forth – in a single setup.

“It’s a huge impact,” said Larry Collins, chief financial officer.

Company director David MacMahon said Maine Machine has prospered because of the top-of-the line training facilities. “You will not find better employees than here in Maine,” he said.

“It’s an investment in the future,” said Department of Economic Development Commissioner John Richard of the company. “It’s really a commitment to the customers, the workers and the community.”