BOSTON — New Balance announces that it has been ranked No. 3 in the large company category (250-plus employees) as one of the Best Places to Work in Maine for 2010.

The Maine State Council of the Society for Human Resources Management announced the top rankings for the fifth annual “Best Places to Work in Maine” program at a recent awards dinner.

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, has five manufacturing facilities in New England with three in Maine: Norway, Skowhegan and Norridgewock. They produce more than 22,000 pairs of shoes daily. Each facility offers a production environment that emphasizes safety, quality and efficiency as well as an excellent compensation and benefit package with a culture that promotes actively giving back to the local communities.

The 2010 Best Places to Work in Maine program, sponsored by Central Maine Healthcare, recognizes companies that have established and consistently fostered outstanding workplace environments.