DBED SECRETARY MURRAY ANNOUNCES STATE ASSISTS MARLIN STEEL WIRE WITH EQUIPMENT UPGRADE

BALTIMORE, MD (August 20, 2014) – Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) Secretary Dominick Murray today announced that Marlin Steel Wire Products, a leading manufacturer of custom‐engineered products from steel wire and sheet metal, will upgrade its Baltimore facility by purchasing new equipment. DBED is assisting by providing a $500,000 State-backed loan guarantee, through the Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority (MIDFA), on a $1.5 million loan from Sandy Spring Bank.

“Marlin Steel Wire is a tremendous example of how a company has evolved to meet the growing demands of a global economy,” said Secretary Murray. “We are pleased to work with the company leadership to provide this assistance and are proud that this world-class company is continuing to grow and create jobs for Marylanders.”

“Marlin Steel Wire, headquartered in Baltimore City, is recognized as an industry leader in the advanced manufacturing sector,” said Baltimore Development Corporation Executive Vice President Kimberly A. Clark. “They produce products that are available globally and we enthusiastically support the continued growth of their operation in the city.”

“The State’s MIDFA program is a great partner to Maryland manufacturing,” said Marlin Steel Wire President Drew Greenblatt. “Through the program, we were able to purchase a top-of-the-line specialty welder – one of only five in the world – that has helped boost our global competitiveness.”

Greenblatt added that because of the State’s assistance, Marlin Steel has been able to hire two unemployed Baltimore City welders to operate the new machine, and plans to hire two more workers later this month.

Marlin Steel Wire formed in 1968 in Brooklyn, New York, but it was not until 1999 that Drew Greenblatt purchased the company and moved the manufacturer to Baltimore. The company’s main customers were bagel shops until international manufacturers began offering cheaper prices, and with customers declining, Greenblatt decided to revamp the business. Marlin Steel Wire has since expanded and automated its production line and now specializes in producing all types of wire baskets, as well as wire hooks and wire shelves. The company has provided products for various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and pharmaceutical, with customers including Toyota, AstraZeneca, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin.

About DBED:
The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing workforce training and 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, visitwww.choosemaryland.org.

Karen Glenn Hood, Director, Media Relations and Public Affairs
Division of Marketing and Communications
Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development
World Trade Center Baltimore | 401 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
O 410.767.6318 | BB 443-463-8129 | E kglennhood@choosemaryland.org

Leave a Reply