Factory 3 Awarded Grant to Expand and Upgrade Shops

I'm excited to share that Factory 3 has been awarded a grant from the Maine Coworking Development Fund!

Since day one, our space has been shaped by the needs of our community—and this grant will help us take another big step forward.

A few years ago, we purchased a 20’ shipping container that had already been converted into a functional workshop, complete with insulation, flooring, lighting, and electrical. With the help of this funding, we’ll be installing the container next to our building, hooking it up to power, and adding a heat-pump based HVAC system.

The new space will serve as additional shop space—likely for a CNC router—with plans to eventually build a spray booth inside as well.

Alongside this project, the grant is also funding improvements to our existing Wood and Metal Shops.

Wood Shop Improvements

• 20” planer

• CNC router

• Upgraded oscillating edge sander

• Portable wet/dry dust extraction system for better dust control when using tools not connected to our main system

• New drawers with compartments under the main workbench for organizing small tools and hardware

• Expanded clamp rack with dozens of professional bar and C clamps

• Vertical wood storage rack

• Improved outfeed table for our table saw, with rolling storage underneath

Metal Shop Improvements

• Upgraded ventilation system

• New plasma cutter

These upgrades will make our shops more efficient and even more useful as our community continues to grow. Stay tuned for updates as this progresses!