Auburn Manufacturing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Auburn Manufacturing Inc. is a U.S. company based in Mechanic Falls, Maine.[1][2] The company produces heat- and fire-resistant fabrics for industrial use, supplying the United States Navy and other customers.[3][4] Auburn Manufacturing services industries such as glassmaking, mining, and shipbuilding, using domestic-made materials, with over 500 heavy industry businesses as customers.[5][6][7]
Founded in 1979, Auburn Manufacturing is known for its disputes with Chinese competitors over unfair trade practices.[8][9] The company manufactures amorphous silica fabric and other products, which it sells to at least 30 countries.[10][11][12] In 2022, Auburn Manufacturing experienced double-digit growth, citing "strong global demand."[13] In 2023, the company ramped up production and hiring due to demand from defense and industrial customers.[14] Auburn Manufacturing grew to 62 employees as of February 2025, investing heavily to serve U.S. defense contractors and the aerospace industry.[15][16]
In July 2023, President Joe Biden visited Auburn Manufacturing, praising the company for weathering “decades of economic storms.”[17][18] Lauding Auburn Manufacturing’s record, Biden noted that 2023 has been the company’s best year to date.[19] Kathie Leonard, owner of Auburn Manufacturing, claimed, “[Biden's] focus on domestic manufacturing has increased demand for products like ours.”[20] CNN subsequently highlighted Auburn Manufacturing as an example of America's "factory boom."[21] Celebrating the growth of blue-collar work during his visit, Biden pointed to rising investments in construction projects by Auburn Manufacturing and other companies.[22]