Frederick County's Advanced Manufacturing Industry

Manufacturing is Frederick County's largest employment sector, with Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing, Food Manufacturing, and Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing being the largest subsectors. Manufacturing employment has grown 2.0% annually over the last five years and is projected to continue growing 1.7% annually over the next decade.*

Photo: In 2024, HP Hood announced it would invest $83.5 million to expand its flagship dairy processing operation in Frederick County. 

Businesses that call our region home reap numerous benefits, including streamlined permitting, infrastructure availability, competitive electricity rates, and collaborative workforce development partnerships with K-12 and higher education entities.

• Laurel Ridge Community College offers continuing education and professional development through its Workforce Solutions Department. Credential, certificate, and degree programs, corporate training, and English language programs support companies at all levels.
• The EDA's Widget Cup® event connects high school students with local manufacturing employers through its annual design/build competition.
• Worlds of Work welcomes nearly 3,000 middle school students in the region annually where they engage in hands-on career exploration with more than 80 businesses representing 10 work worlds (industry sectors).
• Onsite student and educator tours at local businesses help students see first-hand the types of career opportunities available in manufacturing, corporate services, and other leading Frederick County sectors.
• Frederick County and Winchester City public school systems offer robust work-based learning programs where high school students work at local businesses as part of their curriculum of study.

Employer Snapshot