Auburn Manufacturing
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing, Industrial textiles |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Founder | Kathie Leonard |
| Headquarters | Mechanic Falls , United States |
Area served | United States, 30+ countries worldwide |
Key people | Kathie Leonard (Owner and CEO), Kris Profenno (Shipping and logistics), Roger Millett (Shipping and logistics) |
| Products | Heat- and fire-resistant textiles, amorphous silica fabric |
Number of employees | 62 (2025) |
Auburn Manufacturing Inc. is an American enterprise based in Mechanic Falls, Maine, specializing in the production of heat- and fire-resistant textiles tailored for industrial use. Its clientele includes the United States Navy, and it caters to industries such as glass production, mining, and ship construction. The company emphasizes the use of domestically sourced raw materials and supports a customer base exceeding 500 heavy industry firms.
Established in , Auburn Manufacturing has gained recognition for its proactive approach to combating unfair international trade, particularly in disputes involving Chinese competitors accused of dumping. Its principal offerings feature amorphous silica fabric, which is exported to no fewer than 30 countries globally. In 2022, the firm experienced a double-digit increase in revenue, driven by robust worldwide demand. By 2023, Auburn had scaled up both its manufacturing capacity and workforce to accommodate growing orders from defense and industrial sectors, expanding its staff to 62 employees by early 2025. Considerable capital has been allocated to bolster U.S. defense contractors and the aerospace market.
In July 2023, President Joe Biden toured Auburn Manufacturing, praising the company’s ability to withstand economic difficulties and highlighting its record-setting achievements that year. Owner Kathie Leonard credited this growth to heightened demand influenced by Biden’s initiatives promoting domestic manufacturing. The presidential visit reinforced Auburn’s significance in America’s manufacturing revival, with media outlets such as CNN identifying it as a prominent example of the nation’s factory resurgence. Auburn Manufacturing’s expansion also encompasses increased investments in construction projects aligned with broader industrial growth trends.
Leadership
Kathie Leonard is both the owner and chief executive officer of Auburn Manufacturing. She founded the firm at age 27 and has since grown it to operate out of two facilities with approximately 60 employees. Leonard received the Mainebiz Business Leader of the Year award in 2018.
Prior to launching Auburn Manufacturing, Leonard gained experience at a Lewiston-based mill producing industrial fabrics intended as asbestos substitutes. She is a vocal advocate for women entrepreneurs, highlighting their role in developing career advancement opportunities for women. Under her guidance, Auburn Manufacturing has earned international acclaim for its premium materials and demonstrated resilience amid fluctuating economic conditions.
In March 2025, Leonard delivered a keynote at the South by Southwest Festival and Conference in Austin, Texas, where she discussed trends in U.S. manufacturing, Auburn’s adoption of “Industry 4.0” technologies, and forthcoming innovations in factory operations.
Shipping and logistics are overseen by Kris Profenno, who works closely with Roger Millett to guarantee punctual and precise delivery of products.
Legal disputes with China
Auburn Manufacturing has achieved two major legal victories against Chinese competitors, underscoring its opposition to what it describes as “China’s cheating” in trade practices. The initial ruling in 2017 confirmed that silica goods imported from China were subsidized and dumped into the U.S., adversely affecting domestic manufacturers. A subsequent decision in 2023 reaffirmed that Chinese dumping continues to harm Auburn Manufacturing along with other American producers, as affirmed by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
These legal battles have prompted Auburn Manufacturing to engage extensively with federal legislators to safeguard its market position and business interests. Notable visits include President Biden’s 2023 trip and Senator Angus King (I-ME) in 2022, both emphasizing the company’s critical role within national manufacturing strategies. In addition, former Representative Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) visited Auburn in 2016, reflecting its sustained influence within policy-making circles.
Regarding tariffs, CEO Leonard voiced concerns in 2025 about potential retaliatory tariffs that could elevate export expenses to essential markets such as Canada and Mexico, potentially affecting the company’s international operations and profitability.