SACO — Maine Woodworks Lead Casegoods Assembler Arturo Rodriguez Leyenda bent over an upturned table at the warehouse, intently focused on screwing pieces together.

Leyenda came to work at Maine Woodworks in Saco after he decided to close his own business when the last recession hit. He, like others at the warehouse at 90 Industrial Road, takes great care in the work he does.

“If you don’t have good quality, it’s no good,” he said.

The shop is in the midst of its busy season creating cottage furniture. Employees were busy sanding, painting, cutting and assembling in the recently expanded 23,000 square-foot warehouse at 90 Industrial Drive.

Maine Woodworks was established in 1988 as a social enterprise of Creative Work Systems, a non-profit organization that supports individuals with disabilities. It started off making unfinished furniture and in 2000, began dabbling in painted furniture and today offers a wide selection of cottage furniture.

Throughout the years, the wood shop’s social mission has remained strong and the company has been a financial success. Today, Maine Woodworks has an integrated workforce of about 17 employees, made up of people with disabilities and without disabilities to further the social mission of Creative Works, said Maine Woodworks Director of Operations Dave Gallati. All earn competitive wages and receive a steady paycheck.

“We give people meaningful employment,” said Gallati.

Scott Bogdahn operates a pocket hole machine and table saw, and said he’s enjoyed his more than 20 years of employment at Maine Woodworks.

“It’s a good place to work,” he said.

Maine Woodworks recently adopted the tagline “It’s a Colorful Life,” and Director of Marketing and Sales Margaret Logan and the team at Maine Woodworks have created new promotional tools such as a glossy catalog with photos showcasing the colorful furniture in coastal home settings. A showroom at the 90 Industrial Drive location is under construction.

Maine Woodworks builds about 3,400 pieces a year and grosses about $1.25 million in annual sales. Sales come from all over the country, with a concentration from the East Coast. Proceeds from the operation support programs at Creative Work Systems.

“Because we make all our own parts we have the ability to customize,” said Gallati. “Everything that is built is sold.”

Customers can choose from a wide range of pieces that embrace the lifestyle of coastal Maine, including bureaus with bench crafted dovetail drawers, beautiful and functional mud room furniture, tables and bed frames.

With an expansive color palette and several panel and knob selections, the options are endless.

The wood shop uses wood from Maine, or as close to Maine as possible, and seeks out wood from sustainably managed forests, said Gallati.

The 40 shade color palette overs a range from pale gray and beige to eye-catching reds, oranges and blues. In addition, they can choose a two-toned weathered finish.

Customers can choose smooth, beadboard, barn board or shiplap panels, tapered legs or rounded bun foots, and from several different knob styles.

“Everything is built to order, one piece at a time,” said Logan.

Maine Woodworks will be hosting a pop up sale on Sept. 14 and 15 at 13 Lund Road in Saco. For more information, go to www.mainewoodworks.org.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].