Did you know October is Manufacturing Month in Maryland? This month-long celebration highlights the importance of manufacturers throughout the state and the resources available to those looking to do business in Maryland. Keep up with our manufacturing updates by using #mdMFG.

With more than 4,000 manufacturing companies throughout the state, Maryland is home to a plethora of industry leaders including Volvo, McCormick, Perdue, Marlin Steel, and more.

But with so many companies to choose from, where do you begin? The Maryland Manufacturing Directory can help local manufacturers get their name in front of potential customers, and also help companies find the perfect manufacturing match to do business with.

Housed on the state’s Maryland Defense Network (MDN), the directory was created with funding from a Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment grant, which allowed Maryland Commerce to strategize and implement activities to diversify the state’s defense-dependent economy. There are currently more than 1,700 companies listed in the public directory.

“The Maryland Manufacturing Directory helps generate new opportunities and partnerships between MDN users and the companies listed in the manufacturing directory,” said Jenny White, grant program manager for Maryland Commerce’s Office of Military and Federal Affairs. “A manufacturing company can use the tool to find new customers by building out their company profile, or companies can find new suppliers through the site's keyword and filtering option.”

With its advanced user capabilities, the directory is a first of its kind for the state—the platform is able to filter results down to the specific capabilities and designations of a business. For example, if you’re looking for a minority-owned business who specializes in electronics manufacturing services, you’ll immediately be directed to the Baltimore-based business Practical Technologies, Inc.

“Maryland is known for its innovative and cutting-edge workforce,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “In addition to that, more than half of our manufacturing sector is considered advanced—using and integrating technology to become more competitive in the field. This tool provides additional leverage for our local companies to gain new customers and expand their reach throughout the state.”

Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford recently joined Secretary Schulz for the re-launching of the Maryland Defense Networking, highlighting the different tools available for industries to use for matchmaking, government contracting opportunities, and growing a customer base. MDN’s platform also provides assistance to those in the aerospace, cybersecurity, and technologies sectors throughout the state.

“We recognize the importance of your industries to our economy, and our administration—especially the Department of Commerce—is here to help,” Lt. Governor Rutherford said. “We believe that the Maryland Defense Network will ensure a strong defense community and ecosystem, and we are committed to making sure you have the tools you need to succeed.”

If you are a Maryland manufacturer, be sure to add yourself to the online directory. If you are a company looking to buy from a local manufacturer, check out the tool to find new suppliers throughout the state.

Learn more on marylanddefensenetwork.org/manu.