Maryland is continuing to attract new companies, help existing companies expand
BALTIMORE, MD (October 18, 2019) – Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz today applauded the state’s September preliminary jobs report, which showed Maryland adding more than 10,000 jobs last month – the largest monthly gain in more than four years – and the state’s unemployment level falling to 3.7 percent, which matches the lowest level in a decade. In addition, the state’s August jobs report was revised to show a gain of 9,000 jobs, a significant increase from the preliminary estimate of 500 new jobs.
“Under Governor Larry Hogan’s leadership, we are continuing to work hard to attract new companies to the state and help our existing Maryland businesses expand and create new jobs,” said Secretary Schulz. “Today’s jobs report is further validation that the programs and policies we have put in place to grow our economy are working, and we look forward to continuing this positive momentum.”
Since January, the state has attracted a number of new companies, including Helm Services, an IT firm bringing 200 jobs to Baltimore City; Kite, a biopharmaceutical company which is planning to add hundreds of jobs in Frederick County; Smithfield Foods, the world’s largest pork processor and hog producer which is adding 240 jobs at their new Cecil County distribution center; and Floor and Decor, a major flooring retailer that plans to add 150 jobs at their new Tradepoint Atlantic facility and will be one of the Port of Baltimore’s largest customers.
In addition, a number of existing Maryland companies announced significant growth plans this year, including Northrop Grumman, a global security company which is expanding its manufacturing operations in Cecil County and plans to add 175 new jobs over the next five years, and Volvo Group North America, which is investing $43 million and adding 85 new jobs at its powertrain production plant in Hagerstown.
