Prison Industries

The Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) Prison Industries Program provides meaningful work opportunities for incarcerated residents while producing quality goods and services for government agencies, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the public.

The program supports the Department's mission by helping residents develop practical job skills, strong work habits, and professional experience that can improve employment opportunities upon release. Through structured work assignments and vocational training, participants learn the value of teamwork, accountability, craftsmanship, and customer service while contributing to the production of high-quality products.

Building Skills for Successful Reentry

Prison Industries is designed to prepare residents for successful employment and reintegration into their communities by providing opportunities to:

• Develop marketable vocational skills.

• Learn workplace safety practices.

• Build strong work habits, punctuality, and dependability.

• Gain experience using industry-standard equipment and production processes.

• Develop communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

• Earn wages that may be used for savings, victim restitution, child support, and other financial obligations.

Current Technology and Workforce Training

Prison Industries equips residents with hands-on experience using modern equipment, current production methods, and industry-standard technology. Programs are designed to reflect today's manufacturing and business environments, providing practical training that prepares participants for employment in skilled trades, manufacturing, and related industries.

Residents may receive on the job and/or certificate training in:

• Computer-aided design (CAD) and product development

• CNC machine setup, operation, and programming

• Graphic design and digital artwork preparation

• Commercial printing and large-format graphics

• Laser engraving and computer-controlled systems

• Commercial embroidery and digitizing software

• Manufacturing

• Upholstery 

• Metal fabrication, welding, machining

• Promotional product design and customization

• Clerical support and administrative assisting

• Inventory management and production scheduling

• Workplace safety and lean manufacturing principles

Participants also gain experience using computers and industry-standard software to create designs, prepare digital production files, manage production workflows, operate CNC equipment, and support manufacturing processes. When appropriate and authorized, residents may use secure internet access for vocational training, equipment support, product research, and other approved work-related activities.

In addition to technical training, residents develop the professional skills employers value, including communication, teamwork, reliability, adaptability, attention to detail, critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management.

By combining vocational instruction, modern technology, and real-world production experience, Prison Industries helps residents develop transferable skills and industry knowledge that support successful employment and long-term career opportunities after release.

Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program (PIECP)

Prison Industries programs participate in the Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program (PIECP), a federally certified and highly regulated initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Justice.

PIECP allows eligible incarcerated workers to produce goods for private-sector companies under strict federal requirements. Participants earn wages that may be used to:

• Reimburse the State for room and board

• Pay court-ordered victim restitution

• Provide child support

• Contribute toward taxes and other required deductions

• Build personal savings for release

Maine Prison Showroom

The Maine Prison Showroom, located in Thomaston, is the state's primary retail location for handcrafted and manufactured products created through Prison Industries.

Visitors can browse a wide variety of products, including:

• Wood furniture and cabinetry

• Home décor and seasonal gifts

• Embroidered apparel

• Promotional products

• Custom-made items

• Specialty handcrafted products

Products vary throughout the year, and many items are produced in limited quantities.

Location
358 Main Street
Thomaston, ME 04861

Phone
(207) 354-9237

Hours
Open seven days a week, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Customers may visit the showroom, call for product availability, email the showroom, or follow the showroom's Facebook page for information about new and seasonal products.

Products and Services

Prison Industries offers a wide variety of products and custom manufacturing services, including:

• Custom woodworking and cabinetry

• Office furniture manufacturing and restoration

• Commercial upholstery and re-upholstery

• Custom embroidery and garment printing

• Commercial printing

• Graphic design services

• Laser engraving and custom engraving

• Metal fabrication and welding

• Promotional products

• Sawmill and lumber products

• License plate manufacturing

• Custom projects for the public, state agencies, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, businesses.

Many products can be customized to meet customer specifications.

Custom Orders

Prison Industries accepts custom orders for many products and services. Whether you need a single item or a large production run, staff will work with you to determine how your project can best be completed.

For information about custom manufacturing, product availability, or pricing, please contact:

CUSTOMORDERS.MSP@maine.gov

Business Collaboration with Maine Prison Industries

Businesses interested in supplying or purchasing products or services with the Maine Department of Corrections industries department should contact:

Hallis (Hal) Thayer
Chief Industries Manager
hallis.thayer@maine.gov