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 twelve local manufacturers $180,000 in grants through the Maryland MADE program to implement smart manufacturing technologies. This initiative aims to increase energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and enable lasting operational improvements, supporting the state's manufacturing sector in adopting innovations for a cleaner and more competitive future.

The funding originates from a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, part of the larger $31 million State Manufacturing Leadership Program awarded to 17 state-run programs nationwide. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, manufacturing utilities account for an average of 26 percent of all end-use energy in the country, representing five to 10 percent of a manufacturer's total costs. By investing in energy efficiency, manufacturers can achieve higher profits and positive environmental impacts.

Approved projects include a St. Mary's County electronics manufacturer advancing services through 3D printing, a Kent County fiber solutions company reducing power consumption on machines, and a Cecil County food ingredient manufacturer incorporating smart equipment controls. Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. emphasized the critical need for adopting smart technologies to maintain competitiveness and realize cost savings.

Applications for the second round of the Maryland MADE grant program will open on Monday, November 3, with an informational webinar scheduled for Monday, October 6. Additional details, including webinar registration and eligibility terms, are available through commerce.maryland.gov. This ongoing support underscores the state's commitment to modernizing manufacturing operations and fostering economic resilience.