WASHINGTON COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — The Hagerstown area has been attracting a lot of new industries, adding to the region’s growing manufacturing base and logistics centers.
Just west of the city, a new 300,000 square-foot distribution center will bring even more jobs. It will sit on 100 acres of current farmland and that consumer goods warehouse will be employing more than 200 people.
New York-based Lifetime Brands is behind the venture, adding to a wave of such facilities in Washington County.
Crystal Pheulpin with Black Diamond Real Estate has been tracking commercial development trends in the region.
“We’re home to some 20 business, industrial and manufacturing parks. That makes us attractive. We’re seeing Conair, Hitachi rails, Amazon all decide to choose Hagerstown,” Pheulpin said.
According to Pheulpin, Hagerstown has been able to capitalize on the recent boom in logistics because of the highway infrastructure.
“The reason they’re choosing Hagerstown is quite simply our location with easy access to major commuter routes like I-81 and I-70,” Pheulpin said.
Washington County Commission President John Barr is grateful for all the new manufacturing and spinoff economic development.
“With interstates 81 and 70, logistics is good and most of the warehouses are full and they’re certainly good for our tax base and they certainly are good employers,” Barr said.
The Maryland Department of Commerce is processing a $1.4 million grant for the Washington County project.
