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Economy

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The City of Saco has a long, rich history as a center of commerce and industry in Southern Maine. Because of its access to water power along the Saco River, the area emerged in the 1800's as a bustling textile center employing as many as 5,000 workers at its peak. In the 1900's, the area also became home to several major leather and footwear businesses.

With the decline of these traditional industries in the 1950's - 1960's, Saco undertook an aggressive effort aimed at diversifying its employment and manufacturing base. The City of Saco built a multi-phase, fully serviced industrial park, which attracted many new businesses. The area continues to promote economic development as it strives to expand its employment and tax base.

Today, the local economy is strong and diverse. The area is home to numerous of manufacturers, many of which are technologically driven. Signature products include cooking equipment, plastics manufacturing equipment, precision cutting tools, and rifles. Because of our location along the magnificent southern Maine coast, tourism is also an important component of the area's economy.

SPACE AVAILABLE
The city is zoned for a variety of industrial and commercial land uses. Industrial parks are near Maine Turnpike Exit 5 in Saco. There is some space for lease in existing buildings, opportunities for build to suit, or lots for sale in the industrial parks. The historic mills in the downtowns provide leased space for offices and industrial incubators. Office space is available in the Main Street area. Downtown Saco features a lovely retail district and a local historic district protected by an historic preservation ordinance.

GREAT WORKERS AVAILABLE
The strong work ethic of the Biddeford-Saco workforce is almost legendary. Dozens of businesses have chosen to locate and grow in area due in large part to the extraordinary quality and productivity of the local workforce. Saco is part of the Biddeford Labor Market Area which has 44,000 workers in the communities of Arundel, Biddeford, Dayton, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Lyman, Ogunquit, Saco and Wells. An additional 120,000 worker are available in the adjacent Portland labor market. An estimated 15,600 live in the City. The City's population grew 17.5 percent from 12,921 to 15,181 in the 1980s, making it Maine's fastest growing city.

GREAT HOUSING AVAILABLE
Saco has an abundant supply of affordable housing both single family and renter units. There is a diverse range of housing choices to suit all income levels. Modest single family homes can be purchased in older downtown neighborhoods for $75,000 - $80,000 while larger homes in new subdivisions average $120,000 - $160,000. Homes with water frontage either along the Saco River or along the coast are priced anywhere between $250,000 - $600,000. The median sales price of a single family home in Biddeford-Saco is $118,000. Average rental costs for a 2 bedroom apartment ranging from $400 to $525./mo. depending on location and amenities.

GREAT WORK TRAINING AVAILABLE
There are several excellent programs in place with provide formal training for employees through the York County Technical College and through the MAINE QUALITY CENTERS Program - AT NO COST to the employer or the trainee. To participate, businesses must create a minimum of eight (8) full-time jobs with benefits within the state of Maine. The Maine Job Service, a Division of the Department of Labor offers: pre-screened Referrals, Targeted Jobs Tax Credit, and Aptitude Testing. All services are handled in a confidential manner with no fee.