Two Maryland Manufacturers Awarded More Than $37,000 in Training Grants
PWQ program focuses on investing in training for manufacturers, technology companies
BALTIMORE, Md. — Miltec Corporation and Marlin Steel Wire Products have been awarded a total of more than $37,000 in training grants from the Maryland Department of Commerce, which will help the companies expand productivity and retain their competitive edge. Through the Department’s Partnership for Workforce Quality (PWQ) program, the companies will host training sessions to upskill their workers on the latest technologies. Governor Larry Hogan recapitalized the PWQ program in FY 2018 by providing $1 million in Commerce’s budget, and the program was part of the Hogan’s Administration’s 2017 Maryland Jobs Initiative.
Marlin Steel Wire Products, a Baltimore-based wire form manufacturer, has received $25,753 to train 13 employees on advanced robotic machinery and skills including weldpro, laser programming, and advanced handling.
“This phenomenal program is having a huge impact training manufacturing employees so Marlin Steel can compete more effectively with formidable German, Mexican and Chinese factories,” said Drew Greenblatt, president of Marlin Steel. “Employees have been trained to operate the new CNC saw so we can make products for companies like Amazon and Google. Because of the Partnership for Workforce Quality program, employees are also being trained on our new CNC deburring machine so smoother parts can be created for the medical equipment industry.”
Miltec Corporation, the world’s leading manufacturer of high performance UV curing systems, will train employees on the latest software and systems technologies to increase customer service and product quality. With an $11,270 training grant, the Stevensville company will host seven training sessions over the next three months for the company’s 32 full-time employees. Sessions will focus heavily on training existing workers so they can educate new staff in order to save resources and maximize worker productivity.
“Miltec UV, being a technical company, is very fortunate to be chosen to participate in this program. The company spends a very large part of our budget training not only entry-level positions, but also those in technology, to stay abreast of new programs,” said Marilyn Blandford, CEO of Miltec. “Because of the unique skills taught at Miltec, the employees can look forward to a whole new career path with the skills taught and used at our company. We applaud the Maryland Department of Commerce for actively working to promote these programs and we hope there will be more for all types of positions in manufacturing.”
“Investing in workforce training helps our manufacturers remain on the cutting edge of technology in an increasing competitive global economy,” said Governor Hogan. “By funding this innovative program, we are able to help growing companies like Marlin Steel and Miltec increase productivity, improve product quality, and provide better customer service.”
“Marlin Steel Wire and Miltec are two great Maryland companies that have continued to thrive and position themselves as leaders in their industries,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “These training grants are critical to the continued growth of these companies and play a key role in attracting new customers and entering new markets for their products and services.”
To learn more about Miltec and Marlin Steel, please visit www.miltec.com and www.marlinwire.com.
About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.
