Economic Development Annual Report Showcases “Where Big Ideas Grow”

The Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) is proud to present the 2015 Economic Development Annual Report.  The report covers the work of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development and includes economic data to make the strong case for why businesses decide to locate and expand in Frederick County.

The 2015 Economic Development Report highlights eight major economic drivers for the year, identifies area of major commercial development, selected announced locations and expansions, reports on wineries, breweries and distillery growth as well as small business development and minority business outreach successes. OED worked with 46 companies that decided to locate and or expand in Frederick County in 2015. Those businesses represented over 900,000 square feet of office space and 726 jobs.

“It was a year of innovation across the County,” said Director Helen Propheter. “We are grateful this year to have the support of our elected leaders to help grow our economy. In 2015, the County Council passed a Commercial & Industrial Business Tax Credit for manufacturers, and Executive Gardner restored support for agriculture business development and small business funding opportunities.” Ms. Propheter reflected, “Our small business development efforts had a record-setting year in business starts and job creation. We worked with municipalities and minority business like never before.  We look upon the past with pride, and the future with great optimism.”

Frederick County received several notable national quality of life accolades in 2015 including recognition by Money Magazine, Livability.com, Movoto Real Estate and The Military Times.

Manufacturing Month: Q&A with Jodie Bollinger

Manufacturing has consistently been an important contributor to Frederick and Maryland's overall economy. Recognizing manufacturing as a targeted industry, the Office of Economic Development has a staff member dedicated to serving manufacturing businesses.

October is Manufacturing Month and today, Jodie Bollinger, Business Development Specialist is answering questions today about Frederick County's expanding and diverse manufacturing industry.

1. Manufacturing is a long Maryland tradition but in today's economy, 60% of Maryland's manufacturers are advanced - producing high mix, low volume, high technology products. How does this compare in Frederick County?

In Frederick County, more of our manufacturers are considered Advanced Manufacturers. I would estimate that more than 95% of the County's 170 manufacturers are engaged in advanced manufacturing. They accomplish this by:

• Creating products with advanced manufacturing processes and methodologies
• Using advanced manufacturing processes
• Using advanced materials
• Implementing advanced supply chain management techniques
• Using sustainable practices

2. What trends are you seeing in manufacturers?

Being Lean and employing continuous improvement methods is critical in today's manufacturing environment.  Frederick's manufacturers are employing lean methods and using lean techniques daily. There are resources throughout the State and through our partners including the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), the Regional Manufacturing Institute (RMI) and Maryland World Class Consortium (MWCC) that provide lean training, resources, networking opportunities and workshops all year long to benefit manufacturers. 

The use of 3-D printing and prototyping is gaining momentum as new products can be "brought to life" and manufactured very quickly. In addition, the Port of Baltimore's expansion will provide increased opportunities for our manufacturers.

3. How would you describe the manufacturing opportunities in Frederick County?

Our County's strategic location, highly skilled workforce, education system and transportation infrastructure all play a big role in why manufacturers choose Frederick County. Many existing manufactures have expanded and increased their workforce, such as Stulz-ATS, AstraZeneca, Miscellaneous Metals, Wright Manufacturing and Canam Steel. Wages for workers present a significant opportunity for residents to work locally. Wages in Frederick County's manufacturing jobs pay 30% more than Frederick County's private sector average.

Frederick benefits greatly from our multiplier effect. The multiplier effect for the manufacturing sector in Maryland is 2.7 which means that almost two additional jobs are created in the state for each new manufacturing job created. High-technology manufacturers have higher multiplier effects and generate more jobs through the economy. As more manufacturing jobs are being added, Frederick County's economy will continue to grow.

Locally, our office partners with the Frederick County Manufacturers Roundtable (FCMR) works to support the existing companies with Lunch, Learn and Tour events for manufacturing companies. These events are held at manufacturing facilities with presenters discussing topics for this industry. With the new addition of the EARN MD Training Grant, this provides local companies the opportunity to train unemployed or underemployed workers and provide leadership skills to existing employees.

4. What incentives exist for Frederick County manufacturers?

In addition to statewide incentives for Manufacturing, Frederick County offers the following locally:

• Commercial and Industrial Business Tax Credit (new for 2015)
• Business Personal Property Tax Exemption
• Fast Track Permitting
• New Jobs/Enhanced New Jobs Tax Credit
• Customized Training and Recruitment Services
• EARN MD Manufacturing Training Grant
• Small Business Loan Guarantee (for 2016)
• Potomac Edison/Maryland Energy Administration Programs 

5. What do you think the future holds for manufacturing in Frederick County?

Talent, technology and the ability to innovate will play a significant role in manufacturing competitiveness.  Expanding into new markets by exporting and diversifying operations, like Canam Steel did when they went into bridgework during the economic downtown, will be a factor in remaining a key player in today's global manufacturing economy. The healthcare industry and our emerging technology advances will be a great opportunity for our manufacturers now and into the future.

15th Annual Frederick County Business Appreciation Week Begins Next Week

County Executive Jan Gardner held a Public Information Briefing this morning, proclaiming next week as Business Appreciation Week in Frederick County. The event, now in it's the 15th year, is coordinated by the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) and includes over 60 ambassadors consisting of State, County and Local officials as well as the Chamber of Commerce who will visit 112 companies in Frederick County during the week of October 19-23, 2015.  Business Appreciation Week (BAW) gives ambassador teams the opportunity to thank businesses for what they do and also identify any concerns or potential issues they may have.

Left to Right: Frederick County Workforce Services Director Michelle Day, County Executive Jan Gardner, OED Director Helen Propheter, OED Research Specialist Sandy Wagerman, OED Business Development Specialist Jodie Bollinger, OED Administrative Specialist Sharon Hipkins, OED Business Development Specialist Katie Albaugh, OED Business Development Specialist Sherman Coleman

“We need to keep the lines of communication open with business owners.  They know what works and what doesn’t.  These one-on-one meetings will help us to support our business community.  I want them to know that I mean business in terms of creating jobs, drawing new enterprises to Frederick County and supporting our vibrant local economy,” stated Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner.

The Frederick County Office of Economic Development worked with Frederick County’s municipalities and five main street managers to feature a day in their area celebrating businesses with their local elected officials.

County Executive Jan Gardner with Sandy Wagerman
and Helen Propheter displaying the map of companies being
visited during #BAW2015

Frederick County Office of Economic Director Helen Propheter said, “Business Appreciation Week gives us a chance to visit all different types of businesses. In just one day, we might visit a farm, a bioscience company, a retailer, a home-based business and a major employer. It may be a business that we’ve never met or one that just expanded or added a new product line. The variety of businesses we are able to touch in just a week is what makes this event so successful.”

The 2015 Business Appreciation Week will include an online social media Scavenger Hunt where pictures will be posted on OED’s Twitter and Facebook pages inviting people to guess which businesses they are visiting that day. All of those who guess correctly will be entered into a drawing to win a Fitbit on Friday, October 23rd. Follow @FredCoOED on Twitter and www.facebook.com/discoverfrederickmd.com on Facebook  or #BAW 2015 for more details.

AstraZeneca Announces Plans to Expand its Frederick, Maryland Biologics Manufacturing Center

Media Inquiries

Alisha Martin, +1 302 885 2677, Alisha.martin@astrazeneca.com (US)

$200+ Million Investment to Support Company’s Maturing Biologics Pipeline

Frederick, Md., November 21, 2014 — AstraZeneca today announced plans to expand its biologics manufacturing center in Frederick, Md.  The more than $200 million project will increase production capacity at the facility to support AstraZeneca’s maturing pipeline, and will help position the company to keep pace with a growing demand for the development and use of biologics, which currently represent nearly 50% of AstraZeneca’s overall pipeline.

“Biologics are an important part of AstraZeneca’s overall capabilities, in addition to our strengths in small molecules and protein engineering,” said Andrew D. Skibo, regional vice president of biologics supply for AstraZeneca. “Our global biologics research and development arm, MedImmune, has a robust pipeline of more than 120 biologics, including more than 30 in clinical development.  The expansion of our Frederick facility will support the progression of drug candidates across our core therapeutic areas, ultimately aiding us in our efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients through scientific leadership and innovative new treatments.”

AstraZeneca’s Frederick biologics manufacturing center is an FDA licensed, large-scale cell culture production facility, with hundreds of thousands of square feet of administrative, production, warehouse, laboratory and utility space.  The expansion project, which is anticipated to begin in December and expected to be complete in mid-2017, will add approximately 40,000 additional square feet of manufacturing, laboratory and administrative space.  The expansion is also expected to bring a total of 300 new jobs to the site. 

“We’re very pleased by AstraZeneca’s demonstrable commitment to our local workforce and to our growing biotech community,” said Frederick City Mayor Randy McClement. “This expansion will help bring even more high-caliber life science jobs and career opportunities to Frederick and the surrounding region.” 

AstraZeneca’s Frederick manufacturing center is the largest biologics manufacturing facility within the company’s global network and portfolio of assets, and a worldwide industry leader in cell culture manufacturing.  The site currently produces a pediatric medication, as well as other investigational biologic products. 

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, inflammation, autoimmune, oncology, infection and neuroscience diseases. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information please visit www.astrazeneca-us.com.

Maryland and Frederick County are Leading the Way in a STEM workforce

Maryland is leading the nation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Frederick County Public School's advancements in STEM training are preparing a workforce of the future.

Dr. Daraius Irani, Executive Director of the Regional Economic Studies Institute, spoke about the importance of STEM training and jobs during the annual Economic Outlook Conference at Towson University yesterday.  He stated that Maryland ranks first in the nation in STEM job concentration, 42 percent of bachelor’s degrees awarded in Maryland from 2012-2013 were in STEM fields, and 47 percent of job openings in the State require STEM skills.

Dr. Irani attributed the State’s achievements in STEM to an increase in quality educational programs. ”There has been a real purposeful effort by State schools to introduce students to STEM. That makes a difference,” he said. There are seven STEM Standards of Practice set by the state: 1) Learn and Apply Rigorous Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Content, 2) Integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Content, 3) Interpret and Communicate STEM Information, 4) Engage in Inquiry, 5) Engage in Logical Reasoning, 6) Collaborate as a STEM Team, and 7) Apply Technology Strategically.

The Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) vision is that students will graduate STEM proficient and be prepared for post-secondary study and the 21st Century workforce. As a result, the STEM office of FCPS has programs designed for the elementary, middle and high school levels. During the school day, students engage in the seven STEM Practices as part of their ongoing classroom instruction. 

Outside of FCPS, the C.Burr Artz Library is home to the STEM Lab to meet the needs of area students and to support the goals of local and statewide education initiatives and the library hosts a series of monthly STEM educational classes for all ages.

FCPS reported that 99% of nearly 900 employers surveyed in 2014 indicated that FCPS students met or exceeded job requirements at their place of business, indicating that FCPS are preparing a strong workforce of the future.

STULZ Announces $5 Million Expansion to US Manufacturing Facility

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Aaron Sabino, Marketing/Product Manager
Telephone: 240-529-1206 | Email: asabino@stulz-ats.com

Frederick, Md. (October 3, 2014) STULZ Air Technology Systems today announced the completion of the first phase of its planned expansion to its existing US production facilities in Frederick, MD. STULZ manufactures high-tech cooling solutions for mission critical applications and data centers including a full line of energy efficient precision air conditioners, outdoor air handlers, ultrasonic humidifiers, and desiccant dehumidifiers.

“We are very excited to announce this significant investment to expand our advanced manufacturing capabilities in the United States on National Manufacturing Day,” said STULZ Air Technology Systems President, Joerg Desler.

Although STULZ is a global company that is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany it has maintained a design and manufacturing infrastructure in Frederick, MD since 2001. “STULZ is proud to design, and manufacture all of our products for North America here in Frederick, MD,” Mr. Desler continued. “This investment demonstrates our continued commitment to producing quality, high-tech mission critical cooling solutions here in the USA.”

The expansion includes the purchase of a 41,000 square foot building adjacent to the existing facility. This new building will house a greatly expanded sheet metal fabrication area and weld shop. In addition, two new powder coat lines are in the process of being installed by a local vendor.

“Many people do not realize the scope of our commitment to local design and manufacturing,” said Mr. Desler. “It is an unfortunate yet common reality that many companies will produce the majority of their components overseas and then claim to be ‘made in America’ simply because the final assembly occurs domestically. At STULZ, we do our own engineering, metal stamping, electrical wiring, powder coating, controls programming, piping, and testing. To us, that is what ‘made in America’ means.”

The existing STULZ Air Technology Systems manufacturing facility will also see a portion of the overall investment with expanded space for a growing line of outdoor air handling units and large capacity perimeter cooling systems (the largest capacity units commercially available). Overall, the expansion is expecting to create more than 25 permanent US jobs in the Frederick, MD community.

According to Mr. Desler, the motivation for the expansion is due to increased demand and changing market conditions. “The mission critical cooling industry is becoming more sophisticated and customers are demanding a greater spectrum of custom and semi-custom solutions. By having direct control over our manufacturing process and proximity to high-quality local suppliers, I feel that STULZ is better suited to meet the needs of a changing market.”

About STULZ Air Technology Systems, Inc.

STULZ Air Technology Systems, Inc. (STULZ) is an ISO 9001 registered manufacturer of environmental control equipment including a full line of energy efficient precision air conditioners, air handling units, ultrasonic humidifiers, and desiccant dehumidifiers. The company is responsible for product development, manufacturing, and distribution for the North American arm of the international STULZ Group. For more information about STULZ ATS and its products, call 301-620-2033. E-mail your request to info@stulz-ats.com or visit www.stulz-ats.com.

Comptroller Visits STULZ-ATS on his Better With Less Tour

Franchot to Visit Businesses that are Examples of Efficiency for Govt.-

Frederick, MD (April 19, 2011) - In an effort to highlight businesses innovatively operating at lower costs and pass along their lessons of efficiencies to government, Comptroller Peter Franchot kicked off his Better with Less tour last week.

This morning, Mr. Franchot visited STULZ-ATS to present us this prestigious award. STULZ-ATS is one of only 24 Maryland businesses honored, and the only business in Frederick County on the recipient list. On hand to greet The Comptroller and accept on the company’s behalf were Joerg Desler, VP of Production and Engineering, Thorsten Weiss, Chief Financial Officer, and Anne Shubert, Marketing Manager.

Also attending, Jodie Bollinger from the Frederick County Office of Economic Development and Richard Griffin from the City of Frederick, Department of Economic Development.

Frederick County Manufacturers Roundtable Presents: Lunch, Learn and Tour Series

When

December 9, 2010
11:30am – 1:30pm

Plant Tour
Washington Laboratories
Stanford Business Park
4840 Winchester Blvd., Suite 4
Frederick, MD 21703

Topics

Kaizen Tips and Strategies
Maryland Business Works Program

Who Should Attend?

All Frederick County Manufacturers

Agenda

11:30am-11:45am Welcome
11:45 – 12:45am Presentation & Lunch
12:45 – 1:15pm Facility Tour
1:15 – 1:30pm Wrap-Up

Does your organization hold Kaizen (Continuous Improvement) events at your facility? Shawn Wolf, President of Wright Manufacturing will provide strategies and tips to hold productive Kaizen events. Get the extra edge in the market when it comes to competition!

Does a 50% training reimbursement grant sound good to your organization? Learn from Latrice Lewis, Frederick County Workforce Services about the MD Business Works Training Program to assist manufacturers to become more productive and more competitive in our global marketplace.

Registration

Lunch provided by Washington Laboratories. Space is limited. To register, contact Jodie Bollinger at 301-600-1668 or by email jbollinger@frederickcountymd.gov by 12/3/10.

Highly Attended Manufacturing Event held at FNP

More than 25 manufacturers attended a Lunch, Learn and Tour series event held at the Frederick News Post (FNP). Frederick County manufacturers were invited to learn more about the future of newspaper manufacturing, take a tour of the premier FNP facility and network with one another.

Shawn Wolf, Chairman of the Frederick County Manufacturers Roundtable (FCMR) and President of Wright Manufacturing spoke briefly about the FCMR organization. “We are an informal yet diverse group of manufacturers who get together to share ideas and experiences with one another and tour facilities from Frederick County’s manufacturing community.”

FCMR is a membership organization comprised of representatives from local manufacturing companies who meet to network and discuss ways to improve the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry in Frederick County.

There was a short presentation followed by a tour of the Frederick News Post. Myron Randall, FNP’s President and Owner, gave remarks on the history of the company while Ted Gregory, FNP’s Chief Operating and Financial Officer, spoke about their 144,000 square foot facility and manufacturing process. Terry Headlee, FNP’s Managing Editor, gave information regarding the newspaper publishing industry.

According to Linda Norris of Canam Steel Corporation, “This program is a great way to tour Frederick County’s manufacturing facilities and see first-hand the manufacturing practices that each company implements within their organization.”

Sponsors of the event included the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) and Elk Run Winery.

For more information on the Frederick County’s manufacturing industry, visit OED’s website at
http://www.discoverfrederickmd.com/IndustryFocus/manufacturing.htm

Business Visit to Cintas Corporation

Cintas Corporation hosted a business visit by Frederick County representatives on November 2, 2009. The Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED) coordinates monthly business visits throughout the year to tour and learn more about the County’s business community.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, OH, Cintas operates 400 facilities in the U.S. and Canada, including eight distribution centers that employ more than 32,000 people. Cintas provides uniforms and apparel, restroom supplies, promotional products, document management, fire protection and first aid safety services for more than 800,000 businesses.

The Frederick branch, located at the Stanford Industrial Park, is a distribution facility and employs 60 people. Chad Moran, Branch Manager and Kevin Bussard, Market Sales Manager, gave the group a company overview and provided a tour of their 15,000 square foot facility. The Frederick facility services over 2,500 customers and has 23 routes. Cintas is the largest company in the uniform rental market and continually receives recognition for their quality work. Fortune Magazine cited Cintas among “America’s” most admired companies for the 9th straight year.

For more information on Cintas, visit their website at http://www.cintas.com/ or call their main number at 301-874-8352.

Pictured left to right: Laurie Boyer, Frederick County Office of Economic Development; Kevin Bussard and Chad Moran, Cintas Corporation and Dr. Carol Eaton, Frederick County Business Development Advisory Council and Frederick Community College.