Maryland Awards $180,000 in Smart Manufacturing Grants to Boost Efficiency and Competitiveness

Governor Wes Moore announced that the Maryland Department of Commerce has awarded grants to twelve local manufacturers to implement smart manufacturing initiatives through the Maryland MADE grant program. The $180,000 in funding assists small manufacturers in adopting technologies that improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and enable lasting operational improvements. This investment is crucial for maintaining Maryland's manufacturing competitiveness while addressing environmental concerns.

The funded projects include a St. Mary’s County electronics manufacturer advancing services through 3D printing, a Kent County fiber solutions company reducing machine power consumption, and a Cecil County food ingredient manufacturer incorporating smart equipment controls. These technologies help manufacturers lower utility costs, which typically represent 5-10% of their total expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. By improving efficiency, businesses can achieve higher profits and reduce their environmental footprint.

Funding for the Maryland MADE program originates from a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, part of the larger State Manufacturing Leadership Program, a $31 million federal initiative supporting 17 state programs nationwide. This federal support underscores the national importance of modernizing manufacturing to enhance sustainability and economic resilience. Manufacturers interested in future funding opportunities can find additional details at commerce.maryland.gov, where webinar registration and eligibility terms for the next grant round are available.