Typically when a wall comes tumbling down, it's cause for alarm. At Marlin Steel Wire, however, it's cause for celebration. The company, which moved to Baltimore from Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1998, is expanding for the second time in less than four years. As a result of the expansion, Marlin Steel Wire will enlarge its factory space by 50 percent, gain seven times more power and increase production. The company plans to add as many as 15 new employees when the expansion is complete.
U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake recently joined Marlin Steel Wire president Drew Greenblatt for a "Tear Down this Wall" ceremony, taking the first swings at a wall that will be demolished to expand the plant.
"This marks another milestone for Marlin Steel Wire, for small businesses and for the renaissance of Maryland manufacturing," said Greenblatt, who purchased the company in 1998. "By investing in technology, Marlin Steel Wire has streamlined processes, created and retained jobs, and expanded our markets. Today, our company exports to 37 countries across the globe."
From its founding in 1968 as a manufacturer of commodity bagel baskets, Marlin Steel Wire has evolved as the times and the markets have changed. The company now produces custom-engineered products made of steel wire and sheet metal for industries ranging from medical and pharmaceutical to aerospace and defense. Ten percent of its employees, in fact, are military veterans.
In August 2014, the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development provided a $500,000 loan guarantee through the Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority, on a $1.5 million loan from Sandy Spring Bank that enabled the company to purchase new equipment.
Over time, investments of more than $3.5 millioncoupled with incentive programs and workforce training opportunities for employeeshave kept the company moving forward. And with cadre of degreed engineers among its workforce, Marlin Steel Wire is able to live up to its motto, "Quality Engineered Quick".
Looking ahead, Greenblatt says, "We're very optimistic about the future."
