ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore this week announced that the Maryland Department of Commerce has awarded $180,000 in grants to a dozen local manufacturers to help them adopt “smart manufacturing” technologies aimed at increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions.
The funding was provided through the Maryland MADE grant program, which supports small manufacturers in deploying technologies that lead to lasting improvements and cost savings.
“Maryland manufacturing has a long, proud history, and continues to be a critically important sector of our state’s economy,” Moore said in a statement. “We’re proud to support these manufacturers as they use new technologies and innovations to carry that legacy into a cleaner, more efficient, and more competitive future.”
The awarded projects include a St. Mary’s County electronics company utilizing 3D printing to advance its services and a Kent County fiber solutions firm working to reduce power consumption on its machinery. Additionally, a Cecil County food ingredient manufacturer plans to incorporate smart equipment controls into its systems.
Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr., emphasized the importance of adopting innovative technologies to remain competitive.
“As the need to stay competitive continues, it is critical that our state’s manufacturing community adopt smart innovative technologies for efficiency and cost-saving efforts,” Coker said. “We look forward to seeing what new opportunities are ahead for these 12 Maryland businesses as they modernize their operations.”
The grants are part of a broader $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, awarded to Maryland as part of the State Manufacturing Leadership Program. This federal initiative provides a total of $31 million 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. Investing in energy efficiency can lead to higher profits for manufacturers and a positive environmental impact.
The Maryland Department of Commerce will open applications for a second round of the Maryland MADE grant program on Monday, November 3. An informational webinar about the program will be held on Monday, October 6th.
Photo via Pixabay
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