Gorham-based stove maker Jotul North America has launched a new product and is hiring additional staff to make it.

In November, the company began selling its new Rangeley stove, the first freestanding stove the company makes in North America.

Jotul hired three part-time manufacturing workers this week and plans to add three to five additional workers in the coming months as production ramps up, said President Bret Watson.

Jotul also sells stoves made in Norway by its parent company.

Watson said Jotul saves money by building the Rangeley stateside. Labor rates in Maine are roughly $25 per hour, compared to $50 per hour in Norway. And making the product in Maine reduces risks the company faces from changes to the U.S.-Norwegan currency exchange rate.


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