Rynel Chooses Wiscasset for Expansion

Molnlycke Health Care has selected Wiscasset over Brunswick for the expansion of its MIdcoast Rynel facilities. Molnlycke Development Director James Detert made the

announcement at the board of selectmen’s meeting Dec. 17.

Both the town of Brunswick and Wiscasset had been considered for the expansion. Based in Gothenburg, Sweden, Molnlycke Health Care is a worldwide leading manufacturer of single

use surgical and wound care products with manufacturing plants in nine different countries. The business employs over 7000 employees worldwide.

Rynel Inc. is a leading manufacturer of hydrophilic polyurethane foams, used by medical supply companies around the world.

Wiscasset Town Manager Laurie Smith described Rynel Inc., as a “poster child” for the kind of business a community would want in their town.

Before the expansion can move forward, Wiscasset voters will need to approve an amendment to the Ferry Crossing-Rynel Tax Increment Financing District or TIF.

The voters will consider the amendment during a special town meeting at the Wiscasset Community Center, Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. The special town meeting will follow a public

hearing on the question.

The selectmen voted 5-0 to recommend the amendment.

The proposed expansion plan includes the construction of a 32,000 square-foot, $5.5 million dollar building on the same lot as the existing 40,000 square foot facility at 11

Twin Rivers Drive.

The expansion will allow the company to move to Wiscasset a recently acquired business from another state, Detert said.

The expansion will also create new jobs.

The amendment to the TIF document includes language extending the terms of the existing TIF from 20, to 30 years. The current Rynel TIF is now in its ninth year.

Other conditions of the amendment require Rynel to purchase the land where the facility is located. Currently Rynel is leasing the 13.96 acre lot, but Detert said the owner is

willing to sell the property.

Another condition requires Rynel to provide evidence of the $5.5 million investment into the project. The potential investment is currently estimated at $6.6 million, according

to Detert.

According to information provided by the town, Wiscasset will increase its TIF revenue from the district by an estimated $28,350 annually from 2015 through 2024 and by $59,810

annually from 2025 through 2034.

Wiscasset Town Planner Misty Parker said benefits of Molnlycke’s expansion for the town includes continued investment in the community; new jobs; new tax dollars for

infrastructure and new opportunities for current businesses.

Wiscasset School Committee candidate Doug Smith asks the selectmen put an article on the annual town meeting warrant to provide funds for start up costs of the town’s new stand alone school system. (Charlotte Boynton photo)

Wiscasset School Committee candidate Doug Smith, asked the board to consider a warrant article for the upcoming special town meeting, authorizing a $250,000 line of credit for

the school committee to cover start-up expenses. Smith suggested the money could be repaid July 1, 2014 from the new school budget.

Smith told the selectmen there is a tremendous amount of work to be done in a very short period of time. The selectmen agreed the issued needed to be addressed, but were unsure

just how it should be handled. Some members of the board indicated that part of the $2 million voters approved in November for the cost of withdrawing from the RSU could be used

by the school committee for start -up purposes.

The selectmen asked Smith to look at the wording on the ballot to determine if the money could be used by the new school committee.

The school committee will be elected when voters go to the polls Tuesday, Jan. 7.

The selectmen also questioned if the town could issue a line of credit on a budget that had not been approved.

Selectmen Ed Polewarczyk asked Smith to check on that as well.