GARDINER -- Dennison Lubricants, the newest business to move into Libby Hill Business Park, will open to the public Dec. 12.

Jason Simcock, the city's planning and development director, said the family-owned company just completed construction of a 20,000-square-foot facility.

Tim Dennison, president of the company, said he chose Gardiner for a new facility because of the business park's location at the intersection of Interstate 295 and U.S. Route 201 near the Maine Turnpike.

"The company's service area covers the entire state, so Gardiner provides a convenient location for product distribution," Dennison said.

The company's customers include auto dealers, service stations, public-works garages and fleet management businesses from Aroostook County to York County.

Dennison Lubricants currently employs 14 people in Gardiner at the Standard Distributors building on Route 126. Dennison said he plans on hiring up to seven new full-time employees for the new facility.

The company's headquarters is in Lakeville, Mass., and is a growing manufacturer and distributor of performance lubricants.

Inc. magazine recently ranked Dennison one of the 5,000 fastest-growing companies in the country, and the 99th fastest-growing in the Boston market, Simcock said.

In addition to motor oil, the company provides gear, aviation, industrial and marine lubricants in various packaging from drums to cases.

The company has been in business since 1987 and currently employs 50 full-time employees companywide. The company's coverage area includes New England as well as eastern New York state.

Dennison joins several other companies already located at Libby Hill, including Pine State Trading Company and E.J. Prescott.

To date, the park has generated more than $26 million in investment as well as hundreds of jobs.

Of the original 16 Libby Hill lots, only 4 remain available in Phase I -- ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 acres.

Gardiner has begun construction of the infrastructure for 12 new lots in 2008, as a part of Phase II business park construction.

Phase II will be complete in 2009.

An open house is scheduled from noon to 5 p.m., with a ribbon cutting ceremony slated.

Mayor Andrew MacLean said the opening of the business is a great way to start a new year.

"Gardiner welcomes Dennison Lubricants to the Libby Hill Business Park and the positive impact it will have on the local economy," MacLean said.

Mechele Cooper -- 623-3811, ext. 408

mcooper@centralmaine.com