October is National Manufacturing Month and the State of Maryland, along with the Office of Economic Development (OED), will be highlighting the manufacturing industry throughout the month. Manufacturers in the United States are the most productive in the world, surpassing the worker productivity of any other major manufacturing economy. U.S. manufacturing supports an estimated 17.6 million jobs, employs more than 12 million people, contributes $2.17 trillion to the economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters of private sector research and development.
Closer to home, Maryland’s 3,810 manufacturing businesses generate over $20 billion in gross state product and employ over 103,000 people (or approximately 5% of total workforce). Frederick is fortunate to have a diverse manufacturing base with infrastructure and resources in place for growth. Frederick has 176 manufacturing companies employing more than 5,200 people, or 6% of the county’s private sector employment. STULZ ATS, EDCO, Wright Manufacturing, Canam Steel, McCutcheon Apple Products, Abicor Binzel, and ACDi are just a few of the many advanced manufacturers that call Frederick their home.
The Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland held Manufacturing Day (October 6th) showcasing both the technologies and talent coming from Maryland academic establishments as well as technologies and products from Maryland’s advanced manufacturing companies. Governor Hogan highlighted the importance of this industry to the attendees. Top Maryland advanced manufacturing companies like Stanley Black & Decker, PRS Guitars, Textron Systems, and Maritime Applied Physics Corporation showcased their technologies including 3D, robotics, electronics and other advanced manufacturing applications.
OED partners with several key manufacturing organizations, including the Frederick County Manufacturers Roundtable, Regional Manufacturing Institute, Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the Maryland World Class Consortia, to assist the manufacturing community. Recently ACDi, a leading electronics manufacturer, held a Manufacturers Roundtable Lunch, Learn and Tour event at their new facility on New Technology Way, with over 45 manufacturers in attendance.
For more information on manufacturing in Frederick County, please call the Office of Economic Development at 301-600-1058 or visit our website at http://www.discoverfrederickmd.com/manufacturing