SEAL1 looking to expand with $120K grant

By Stuart Hedstrom
Staff Writer

     BROWNVILLE — SEAL 1, which according to its website specializes in developing and bringing to market high end green-engineered and bio-based gun cleaning and gun care products specifically designed for the shooting industry, military and law enforcement, is seeking to expand its operations. One method for expansion is applying for a $120,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and approval for the application by the town of Brownville was granted during a special town meeting on April 15.

     SEAL 1 Director of Operations Scott Lee said if awarded the grant funds, which need to be evenly matched by the company, would go toward capital improvements and some travel expenses. “The physical location and manufacturing are in Brownville,” Lee said, adding that aside from the ownership SEAL 1 has two employees and per the grant stipulations the equivalent of four full-time jobs need to be added. “I have probably 100 applications,” he added about future positions.
    Lee said SEAL 1 representatives attend about 35 annual trade shows. Town Manager Matthew Pineo said the grant and matching funds would help pay for a trade show vehicle for the company.
    “It’s a 12-month grant, at the end of the 12 months the stipulation is these funds need to be spent,” Piscataquis County Economic Develop Council Executive Director Christopher Winstead said. He mentioned that the council is involved with three CDBG applications at the present time, with the others being for the county and for a Shirley business.
    Before the vote to approve the application, Selectperson Dolly Perkins asked about the town’s liability. Lee explained there will be site checks by town, county and state officials to ensure funds are being utilized properly and on time.