Advanced Manufacturing
Innovative Technology Thrives in Montgomery County
In today’s competitive market, Advanced Manufacturing gives companies a leading edge in business and is a growing area in Montgomery County. Advanced Manufacturers use innovative technologies and new methods to improve competitiveness in the manufacturing sectors. By adding new technology to various products and industries, the approach helps to cut production times, increase efficiency and respond quicker to market changes.
MCEDC talks with Bobby Patton, CEO of Patton Electronics, about how Montgomery County’s talent and location have helped this communication hardware manufacturer thrive for over 35 years.
As an international company doing business in over 140 countries, one of the things we value is the diversity of Montgomery County, because we can take advantage of all the language skills. We are doing business in every language known to man.
RESOURCES
MONTGOMERY COUNTYBusiness Membership Organizations
Incubators/Business Innovation Network
Industry-Specific Business Starter Kits
Latino Economic Development Center
Montgomery County Business Center
Small Business Administration (national)
MARYLAND
Maryland Department of Commerce
Free service to companies to help improve airflow, filtration and ventilation
New funding available — Manufacturers throughout Maryland can potentially reduce the risk of business disruption from COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens by improving facility airflow, filtration and ventilation. The Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland (RMI) has new funding available from the MD Energy Administration to assist your company at NO COST. Ask about an in-depth onsite assessment of your site and system operations for ventilation and energy efficiency — and get ideas for solutions to improve facility air flow, filtration and ventilation. LEARN MORE >
Crossing the Gamut of Industries and Products
In Montgomery County, advanced manufacturing crosses into advanced robotics; computer aided technology; cloud computing; green technology; pharmaceuticals and medicines; wireless communications; navigational and measuring — and much more. Traditional manufacturing is based on the use of dedicated plant and production lines with little or no flexibility. Advanced manufacturing involves versatile production methods, with a high-tech infusion, to become more efficient, effective and responsive.
Thrive in Montgomery County
The County connectivity and other assets allow companies to be very responsive in the Advanced Manufacturing sector. Our strategic location is in one of the nation’s busiest corridors, located between Boston and Atlanta with 33% of the U.S. population within an overnight drive. Baltimore’s close by deep water port features four super post-Panamax cranes and is one of the most active ports in the country.
SEE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS +
Proximity to a large customer base including the regional life science cluster, IT and cybersecurity areas, and the Federal government
Access to major defense customers and 14 of the top 25 aerospace companies in the U.S.
Strong connectivity and transportation network including extensive highways, Class I rail lines, a first-class Metro system, 3 accessible airports and the Port of Baltimore
A highly educated workforce and specialized local programs that support Advanced Manufacturing education
World-renowned research and innovation capacity including Accelerators and Innovation Centers
The Market Opportunities are extensive, especially given the increasing convergence of digital technology and manufacturing in our region. Add in our strong use of cloud computing in manufacturing processes, and Montgomery County has a strong record of growth.
In the News with Cutting-Edge Technology and Meeting Next Gen Needs
Advanced manufacturing is regularly the news often described as the rescuer of American manufacturing as process automation becomes increasingly sophisticated. With a strong talent workforce and pipeline of skilled workers in technology and engineering, Montgomery County is a great place to thrive in the emerging Advanced Manufacturing sector. In nearby University of Maryland, there is an Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory providing state-of-the-art facilities to educate the next generation of engineers. Other local colleges and universities have programs supporting this emerging sector.
Here are some of the selected occupations that are growing in the emerging manufacturing sector:
Source: EMSI, TIP Strategies
The County’s Clear Advantage
Montgomery County has some clear advantages in Advanced Manufacturing, most closely associated with the equipment needs of aerospace, IT, and biohealth/biosciences companies. These advantages, as well as overall demand for engineered products within the existing corporate base of the region, make advanced manufacturing a strong growing sector. There are multiple ways the County is expanding this sector, including creating co-op and internship opportunities to increase the talent pool, increasing awareness of the County’s new zoning code among Advanced Manufacturers, and raising awareness of success stories within the local manufacturing base.
And the State’s Manufacturing Story
Throughout Maryland, sixty percent of the State’s manufacturers are advanced – producing high-mix, low volume, high technology products. Using advanced materials, processes and machinery, companies develop heavily engineered, customized products such as sensors, unmanned and autonomous systems, medical devices, electronics and capital equipment. MCEDC can help you find resources to connect you to the high-tech world of Advanced Manufacturing to improve your business efficiency and rise to the next level.
NOTABLE AREA BUSINESSES
API • Xometry • Patton Electronics
Company Spotlight
AERAS, Rockville, Maryland
Aeras is making significant progress in the tuberculosis (TB) vaccine field, to fight this ongoing global epidemic. As a nonprofit biotechnology organization, they develop effective vaccines that are affordable and accessible to all who need them. A global company with a Rockville headquarters, they work in partnership with the public and private sectors, with individuals, research organizations, academic institutions, funders, policymakers and others around the world to advance TB vaccine science and R&D. Aeras applies advanced techniques using innovative, adaptive trial designs, improved human challenge and animal models of diseases, and examining correlates of risk and protection to help accelerate vaccine development. The company works to improve efficiencies while reducing risk throughout its science pipeline.