STARC Wins 2025 Governor's Award for Business Excellence
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STARC Systems Wins Governorâs Award for Business Excellence Maine-based Manufacturer Honored for Innovation, Impact, and Inclusive Growth
BRUNSWICK, MAINE â Jan. 5, 2026â STARC Systems, a national leader in reusable temporary wall systems, is proud to announce it has been awarded the 2025 Governorâs Award for Business Excellence (GABE) in the Heritage Industry category. Presented by Governor Janet Mills, this prestigious recognition celebrates Maine companies that exemplify excellence in leadership, innovation, and a deep-rooted commitment to employees, communities, and the stateâs economy. Has context menu
What the Award Recognizes The GABE Heritage Industry award honors companies that have demonstrated sustained growth, a legacy of innovation, and meaningful community and employee engagement. STARC was selected for its standout contributions to manufacturing excellence, environmental stewardship, and the positive workplace culture it has cultivated since its founding in 2012.
A Growth Story Fueled by Purpose From a two-person startup to a nationally recognized brand with over 125 employees, STARCâs journey has been defined by relentless innovation and mission-driven growth. Key milestones include:
Product Innovation: Launched industry-first solutions like RealWallâ˘, LiteBarrierâ˘, FireblockWallâ˘, and StackBarrier⢠that exceed ICRA and fire safety standards.
Customer Expansion: Now trusted by over 2,300 contractors and major brands like Turner Construction, Johns Hopkins, Amazon, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Sustainability Leadership: STARC products are 95% recyclable by weight, dramatically reducing landfill waste from traditional drywall.
Headquarters Expansion: A new 107,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility is set to open in Brunswick in January 2026, fueling scale and innovation.
Workforce Growth: Tripled headcount in three years, with extensive training and career development pathways.
Industry Advocacy: Collaborated with ASHE to promote adoption of ICRA 2.0 infection control standards across healthcare construction.
Commitment to People and Place At the heart of STARCâs success is a strong, people-first culture. The company offers 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums, employee profit sharing, and wellness initiatives, while maintaining a flat and collaborative structure that values every voice. Community engagement includes partnerships with TechPlace, Maine Technology Institute (MTI), and support for local STEM programs.
What Our Partners Are Saying STARCâs nomination was backed by enthusiastic endorsements from long-standing partners and clients. According to Bernstein Shur: âSTARC exemplifies Maineâs manufacturing futureâsmart, sustainable, and human-centered.â The Maine Technology Institute highlighted STARCâs âtransformative impactâ on both local industry and national markets.
Looking Ahead âAs we scale into 2026 and beyond, this award energizes our mission to âundisrupt renovationââwith safer, faster, and more sustainable solutions,â said Chris Vickers, CEO. âWeâre honored by this recognition and even more excited about whatâs next.â
To learn how STARC is scaling for the future, read our latest blog: STARCâs 2025 Momentum
About STARC Systems Headquartered in Brunswick, Maine, STARC Systems designs and manufactures reusable temporary wall systems that reduce renovation disruption, especially in sensitive environments such as hospitals, airports, and data centers. STARCâs solutions help contractors save time, ensure compliance, and reduce environmental impact.
Media Contact: John Farrell, STARC Systems, 207-607-7217 | jfarrell@starcsystems.com