Looking to add dozens of new jobs, Auburn’s Tambrands raises starting wages by $6 an hour

This week the Buzz is hiring, entrepreneuring and switching out joes — one Dunkin’ for an Aroma, specifically.

First up: They’re making an average 10.8 million tampons a day and need more workers.

Tambrands is looking to hire at least 20 full-time employees immediately and another 10 to 15 later this spring to meet growing demand, according to John Bateman, the Hotel Road facility’s human resources director.

Tambrands, a Procter & Gamble plant, had roughly 340 employees and 60 contractors last April when it proposed yet another expansion, this one for $15 million, growing manufacturing and warehouse space.

It’s up to 386 employees and a little over 100 contractors now and that’s not enough.

“We have been slowly increasing our staffing at the Auburn facility to meet the consumer demand,” Bateman said. “We are looking for manufacturing employees who will operate and maintain their equipment, along with material handlers and warehouse employees.”

The company is holding job fairs Jan. 13 and 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch.

Part of its hiring incentives: Starting hourly wages increased by $6 last July to $25.41, a move Bateman said puts Tambrands “in the top 75% for wages with comparable companies in Maine.”

Potential job candidates need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid email address.

“We do not expect (them) to have manufacturing skills, but it’s a benefit if they have experience,” he said.

AND WHILE WE’RE IN AUBURN

If you’re out to grow your experience and your own company, Startup Auburn is still open for applicants.

Mayor Jason Levesque announced the new initiative last November, with the city partnering with the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and new Staples Connect retail store.

Startup Auburn offers three Auburn entrepreneurs private office space for three months, along with other perks, inside Staples’ new coworking area.

Participants in the first round — intended as a pilot with the potential for future rounds — were due to be picked in early January. Levesque said Monday that they’ll now be named in February.

Applications are open thru Jan. 31.

Four people have applied so far, which “is awesome considering we are just now building a (culture) that embraces start-ups,” said Levesque. “These fours’ success will lead to many more start-ups within Auburn.”

HECK, LET’S STAY IN AUBURN

Included in the city’s building permit report for December:

• A $90,000 project at 61 Union St. repairing damage after a fire at Walgreens in November, which led to charges for an Sabattus woman.

• A $150,000 project at Kohl’s making interior alterations on 2,500-square feet for a new beauty department in the Mount Auburn Avenue retail store.

• A $50,000 project building a new greenhouse foundation at 51 Mystique Way for TDF Property Holdings LLC.

• An $80,000 project creating new foundations at 30 Tailwind Court for Sasseville Management, which announced new luxury units coming there late last year.

And in coffee news: A permit for $534,000 in renovations to 791 Kittyhawk Ave.

Eric Cousens, Auburn’s director of planning and permitting, said the renovation will turn the site from a Dunkin’ into an Aroma Joe’s.

Changes are planned inside and out, according to the permit application, which shows a kitchen and indoor seating.

Franchisees Joel Woodward and Kristal Duffy already have one other location, in Windham, according to an Aroma Joe’s spokesperson.

Quick hits about business comings, goings and happenings. Have a Buzzable tip? Contact staff writer Kathryn Skelton at 689-2844 or kskelton@sunjournal.com.