Maryland creates $1M grant program to help manufacturers modernize

Maryland manufacturers looking to modernize their factories amid a boom in the industry post-pandemic could get a boost from a new state program. The newly created Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 program is committing $1 million in grants to small and midsize manufacturers in the current fiscal year to help them automate their plants. Maryland Department of Commerce officials said Monday that grants will cover 50% of project costs, with a minimum grant of $15,000 and a maximum grant of $50,000. “Manufacturing and innovation have played a critical role in our incredible economic turnaround,” Gov. Larry Hogan said in a news release announcing the funding.