About Us
Our Management Team
Chip Roche, President and Owner
Chip Roche has been the president and owner of NEWFAB, Inc. since 2004. Chip’s previous experience includes working for Thermo Electron Corporation, where he worked in their thermal products group as an R&D engineer. Chip worked on the development of a natural gas engine driven cogeneration and chiller system later served as the vice president of manufacturing in their FES Systems Division.
Coming from a research and development background, Chip understands what it takes to transform an idea on paper into a commercially viable product. Further, his broad experience in manufacturing management and keen attention to detail helps ensure that NEWFAB products deliver on quality, consistency and value.
“We see our customers as manufacturing partners. My experience in manufacturing management and R&D helps me understand both the needs of the customer and the development process. Our entire team at NEWFAB is filled with experienced, talented people who grew up in the fabrication business. We are confident that we can work with just about any customer and any material to develop the processes they need to build their product.”
Originally from the Boston area, Chip is a graduate of the mechanical engineering program at Tufts University. He is an active volunteer in organizations promoting the interests of manufacturers and workforce development. Chip is currently serving as chairman of the board of the Manufacturers’ Association of Maine. He also serves on the board of directors for the Central Maine Education Foundation, the Maine Technology Institute's Precision Manufacturing Technology Board, and the Maine State Workforce Investment Board. Chip lives with his wife and two daughters in Yarmouth, Maine.
Leon White, Vice President
Leon White is the vice president of NEWFAB, Inc. His long tenure at the company started in 1989. Prior to joining NEWFAB, Leon worked as a certified welder and metal fabricator. Today, he oversees the sales department at NEWFAB, making sure that customers are satisfied and getting what they need. Leon uses his many years of experience on the shop floor to be a dependable liaison between the metal fabricators in the shop and NEWFAB customers.
“My experience as a shop worker helps me better serve our customers at NEWFAB. I know how the guys in the shop work, and I understand what the customer needs. This helps me get jobs done efficiently for everyone involved.”
In his spare time, Leon is involved with many nonprofit organizations, including the Foundation for Hope, doing volunteer work. He is also a board member of Grace. Leon lives in Turner, Maine with his wife and their five children.
Rick Swanholm, Engineer
Rick Swanholm is an engineer at NEWFAB, Inc. He has been with the company since 1993. Rick is responsible for the custom design and production of the damper and expansion joint lines at DesignFab, a division of NEWFAB. His engineering career prior to NEWFAB has included work for Maine Yankee Atomic Power, Abington Constructors, Stone and Webster Engineering and Cianbro Corporation.
“At NEWFAB, we welcome the opportunity to take on challenging projects. We love the challenge and are well-equipped to come up with new and innovative solutions for our customers.”
A certified EIT, Rick holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering and an associate of science in mechanical engineering technology from the University of Maine in Orono. Rick lives in Bowdoin, Maine with his wife and daughter. He also has a son in the U.S. Marine Corps.
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