NuImage Awnings
Owner Brian Buteau
Company’s origin story: Founded by Don Buteau in 1979. For over 35 years, Futureguard, a family-owned and operated business, and the parent of NuImage Awnings, has been proudly manufacturing NuImage Awnings right here in the United States. They are without a doubt the highest quality awning products on the market today. Our seasoned team of dedicated awning professionals has made Futureguard the largest manufacturer of stationary and retractable products in the United States.
Number of employees/locations: We have four locations in Auburn and five sales offices across the U.S. We employ nearly 100 full-time current employees.
You’re at a dinner party. You’re asked, ‘What does your company make?’ And you say . . . Exterior shading solutions which extend your outdoor living experiences. I typically say if it is made out of fabric, vinyl, aluminum or needs to be powder coated, NuImage is your source. Our impressive list of state-of-the-art equipment coupled with fine Maine craftsman makes for endless possibilities.
Who — and where — are your customers? We sell and provide service in all 50 states. Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, Sears, True Value, Ace Hardware and thousands of custom awnings shops to name a few on the wholesale side. Retail: Local business, colleges, hospitals, VA facilities, restaurants, hotels, U.S. government and any homeowner looking for shade or protection from the elements.
Hardest thing about doing business in Maine? Transportation cost to ship raw goods and finished products cross-country. Regulatory issues, health insurance cost, quantity of skilled applicants. We are always looking for talent for our team.
The best? Our employees. Maine is known for its craftsmen and we proudly employ some of the best this state has to offer. Their work ethic, attention to detail and pure pride they take making sure each product is perfect is truly amazing.
That thing that sets you apart from the competition: Customer service and old-fashioned business ethics. We are now third-generation, family-owned and operated. As an owner, I work in our factory every day. I know our employees by name and work beside them. Together we focus on quality manufacturing standards, outstanding customer service, support and superior products built from the finest raw goods components. Top quality products, Maine craftsmanship, proudly made in the U.S.A.
Maine makes it
From awnings to espresso machines, to what one inventor hopes is the next great idea in gaming, manufacturing is slowly rebounding in Maine. Here are some examples:
- Fabricating awnings in Auburn
- Making electronics in Winthrop
- Fighting falls in Poland
- Making firefighter boots in Auburn
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