After more than 25 years working in heavy industrial maintenance and reliability, Chris Brochu launched Proactive Reliability Services in Livermore Falls to help manufacturers prevent equipment failures and improve operational performance.
Brochu built his career in demanding industrial environments including sawmills, semiconductor manufacturing, and paper mills. In leadership roles such as electrical superintendent, maintenance manager, and reliability manager, he focused on reducing downtime and strengthening predictive maintenance programs. Over time, he saw firsthand how a proactive approach to equipment reliability could improve safety, extend equiment life, and significantly reduce costly disruptions.
Wanting to bring that expertise to a wider range of industries, Brochu started Proactive Reliability Services. The company provides thermographic inspections, lubrication management, acoustic imaging, corrosion prevention coatings, and other reliability services designed to help facilities detect problems early and keep critical systems running efficiently.
Starting the business required translating decades of technical expertise into a sustainable business model. At the recommendation of another business owner, Brochu connected with the Maine SBDC for guidance.
Working with Maine SBDC Business Advisor Dion Olmstead, Brochu received support developing his business plan, identifying professional connections, and locating insurance resources that helped position the company for launch.
“The SBDC has many business connections and training to get a business started and is a resource to ask business questions and get advice,” Brochu said.
Brochu also credits mentor Bill Gagne of Harris Hill Automation for providing valuable industry insight and guidance during the early stages of building the business.
Proactive Reliability Services has already gained strong traction within the paper industry, and Brochu is now expanding his services across additional manufacturing sectors throughout New England. He also became the only certified Enviropeel applicator in the region, offering facilities a new option for protecting equipment from corrosion and contamination.
Looking ahead, Brochu plans to continue helping manufacturers strengthen their reliability programs and reduce costly downtime. Drawing on decades of field experience and advanced diagnostic technologies, he remains focused on a simple philosophy that has guided his career: when equipment runs reliably, entire operations run better.
For more about Chris’ business, check out his website and Facebook page!