bluShift Aerospace Makes History with Stardust 1.0 Rocket Flight

Startup rocket manufacturer bluShift Aerospace became the first company to successfully launch a commercial rocket powered by bio-derived fuel. The launch took place on January 31st at the former air force air strip at the Loring Commerce Center in Limestone, Maine. The launch received international coverage, including from the BBC. The rocket, known as Stardust 1.0, flew just under a mile high and landed as planned under parachutes. Most of the parts are able to be re-used according to the company. Eventually, bluShift plans to build larger rockets at Brunswick Landing to shuttle cube satellites into low Earth orbit. Launches will take place at other more remote Maine sites such as farther north in Aroostook County or along the Downeast Maine coast. Watch video of Stardust 1.0 rocket launch.

Busy Brunswick Executive Airport Celebrates 10th Birthday

KBXM opened for business on April 2nd, 2011 while the Navy was still inhabiting the former air base. From the beginning, KBXM never envisioned itself as a competitor of the Portland International Jetport (PWM) or other nearby aviation complexes (AUG) or (RKD) that offer scheduled commercial service. Instead, it has focused on becoming a premier business and general aviation airport. The airport is home to 18 aerospace companies. And there is plenty of available space for more aeronautical business. We have about 80,000 SF of available hangar space and ground support facilities, and more than 200 acres of shovel ready airport land available for new hangar construction. Contact our real estate department for information on airport business opportunities.

Airport Business Directory:

• American Classic Aviation
• Atol USA
• bluShift Aerospace
• Captive Drone Technologies
• CFI Collective
• Clamar Floats
• FlightLevel Aviation
• Greisen Aerospace
• Maine Coastal Flight
• Mallard Enterprises
• New England Aviation Academy
• Nobleheart Products
• Precision Air
• Sunbird Aviation
• Tempus Jets / Concord Jet Centre
• UMA Aviation
• VALT
• When You Fly

Brunswick Landing, TechPlace Attract Growing New Businesses; Expansion

Although the pandemic has slowed business activity nationwide, Brunswick Landing continues to attract growing new companies who want to join Maine’s Center for Innovation. The Landing now hosts nearly 150 business entities and a workforce of more than 2,300 employees. Since the new year, several new companies have launched operations here, including Casco Bay Inflatables, AltE, Salmonics, Teens to Trails, Soil Carbon, and Wayne’s Seafood. Other businesses have added more space, including VividCloud, STARC Systems, Greisen Aerospace, Sunbird Aviation, FlightLevel, bluShift Aerospace, Ocean Renewable Power Company, and Running Tide Technologies. MRRA continues to work with several promising business prospects, and we expect to add several more exciting aerospace and composites companies in the near future.

Help Wanted at TechPlace

Kaitlin Feiler, who’s served as the Administrative Assistant at TechPlace for the past two and a half years, has decided to step down to spend more time with her new family. We’ve enjoyed having her on the MRRA team and will miss her terribly. We wish her well in her future endeavors. With Kaitlin moving on, a great job opportunity awaits at TechPlace where her successor will be a key part of the redevelopment, working with early-stage companies and innovative businesses. It’s a part-time 20-hours per week position. Learn more about the job and how to apply on the MRRA website.

Brunswick Landing Site of Two COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

There are currently two separate clinics being held at Brunswick Landing where Mainers are able to receive the COVID-10 vaccination. Veterans can get vaccinated at the U.S. Veterans Administration’s drive-through clinic at the corner of Orion Street and Admiral Fitch Ave. Also eligible for the clinic are: Spouses of a Veteran; Caregivers of a Veteran; Recipients of Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) benefits. Please contact the VA for questions or check out their website. Mid Coast Hospital is also holding a vaccination clinic at the Town of Brunswick Parks and Rec building on Neptune Drive. See hospital’s website for more information and to sign up for a vaccination.

Construction Boom Continues at Brunswick Landing

Ground was recently broken on Lots 11 and 12 for a 20,000 SF office building for rapidly growing software company VividCloud by the Priority Real Estate Group of Topsham, owner of the property. Just a block away, Gravier Homes is about half-way finished with its residential project. Nine apartment buildings (108 units) are under construction at the former Captains Way site with 33 percent already occupied by tenants. The Martin’s Point Health project (60,000 SF medical office building on Bath Road) is also on track for fall completion. Construction of additional housing and a storage facility is also slated to start this spring. Stay tuned for news for exciting new planned developed activity of the campus.

Pandemic Hasn’t Slowed Manufacturer STARC Systems’ Rapid Growth at All

Brunswick Landing manufacturer STARC Systems is one of the fastest and exciting growing businesses on campus. It recently added 20 more employees and expanded its footprint to Building 553. The company, which manufacturers composite containment panel systems, was recently featured in Manufacturing Today magazine for “Leading the Way” to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The story describes how fast the company has grown, within the temporary containment niche.

The article details how STARC was awarded funding by Maine Technology Institute (MTI) from its state-funded Maine Technology Asset Fund 2.5. The award, writes Manufacturing Today, “will help fund automated manufacturing equipment to reduce machining bottlenecks, manage a more complex product assortment, and increase the availability of equipment and labor for R&D on isolation specific solutions.” Throughout 2020, STARC’s production tripled, and the demand for infection control in overwhelmed hospitals and healthcare facilities continues to surge. Learn more by reading the full article here.

Hitting the Trail: MRRA Working on Wayfinding and Trails Initiatives

MRRA and its partners are working to improve and expand the pedestrian assets and trail systems the Navy conveyed to us. Two projects are under way for this year. A ¾ mile bike / pedestrian pathway will be constructed along Allagash Drive between Avenue Fitch and Katahdin Drive. Allagash is fairly narrow in this area and the pathway will improve safety from vehicular traffic. MRRA is also initiating a new wayfinding and directional signage program. Initially, signage will focus on pedestrian activities, followed up with vehicular directional wayfinding cues, involving both digital and physical signage to replace the Navy’s legacy signs.

Additional trail construction is also expected on the west side of the former base near the historic Town Commons. MRRA is in the process of selling 144 acres to the Town for recreation and open space purposes. This parcel abuts property already owned by the Town and Bowdoin. Contact the Town for updates on this trail system.

Featured Properties at Brunswick Landing

Former Navy Building 231 / air traffic control center: The 15,000 SF facility, located at 417 Allagash Drive, was built by the Navy in 2005 and is one of the newest buildings on campus. It’s in great shape with more than 12,000 SF office space and IT rooms. It has direct access to the flight line. It would be a good spot for an aerospace business or IT / cybersecurity activities due to its secure, quiet location. 650 kv generator on site. More info.»
Former Navy Building 554: The 10,000 SF Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) is located at 148 Orion Street. The SCIF is a one-of-kind building that would be ideal for data analytics, cyber security, data center, or back office operations. It is highly secure with military-grade access control features and backup power. More info.»

Contact MRRA’s Ben Sturtevant for more info. Apply for space and share your business plan.