Thermoplastic self-bonding ribbon. Ultraviolet light sanitizing machines. Giant abstract public sculptures. Life science product prototypes.
These are some of the enterprising things being produced at the Mill Brook Business Center, a new development of 16 industrial condominium units at 10 Mill Brook Road in Saco.
The center has proven to be a successful draw for a diverse collection of small businesses. That’s just how Portland-based Baha LLC developers Dave Smaha and Anthony Barbano envisioned it.
“I love the variety of different businesses,” says Smaha. “At the end of the day, these businesses own their space. Their payments are similar to what they’d pay on a lease basis, but instead go into their building equity. It’s a win-win situation.”
The developers of an ultraviolet light sanitizing machine, designed to kill surface contaminants like the coronavirus, have built six of the machines and are seeking test markets.
The sanitizer uses a conveyor belt to move objects through a housing equipped with ultraviolet light to combat viral surface contaminants.
The development and testing of the equipment is being conducted at the Saco Industrial Innovation Center at 10 Mill Brook Road in Saco.
The center was founded by Kevin Roche, who is part of the machine’s development team. Roche is also a principal of BBK Investments, which is investing in the project.