Manufacturing
Continuously Improving the Bottom Line
From ice cream to plastic injection molding, Howard County companies whip up some of the most diverse products in the country. In fact, the potential for significant expansion of Howard County’s manufacturing sector is underscored by a 37% 10-year growth rate in industry employment. Several local and regional higher education institutions also support skill growth and continuing education in the sector. An abundance of associations and advocacy groups add to the county’s manufacturing ecosystem, offering networking, apprenticeship programs and informative learning sessions about current industry trends.
Fast Facts
Contributed by Maryland’s Manufacturing Industry to the State GDP
Million Saved by Maryland Manufacturers Through RMI’s Energy Program
Scheduled Cargo Airlines at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Howard County Manufacturing Jobs
Whether you want a high-tech career as an additive manufacturing specialist or a semiconductor fabrication technician, you’ll find several high paying manufacturing jobs in Howard County on the Maryland Workforce Exchange.
Manufacturing Companies in Howard County
With over 200 manufacturing firms in cities like Cooksville, Elkridge, Columbia and Laurel, Howard County businesses engineer solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Future-Focused for the Next Generation of Makers
Manufacturing education in Howard County offers bountiful opportunities for students to excel in the field. Howard Community College’s Computer-Aided Design (CAD) associate degree program equips students with skills across various CAD systems, while the institution’s 3D Innovation Hub further enhances practical learning, enabling students to engage in real-world additive manufacturing applications. Additionally, Loyola University offers business degree programs at undergraduate and graduate levels that are crucial to high paying jobs in manufacturing like project management, operations management and supply chain management.
Furthering the Manufacturing Industry Vision
Manufacturing businesses find valuable support in Howard County, including dedicated advocacy groups, associations and career upskilling and reskilling. The Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland plays a pivotal role by offering a spectrum of programs and services while advocating for jobs in manufacturing — from STEM classrooms to cleanrooms. Catalyzing growth in Maryland’s manufacturing industry is the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which aids over 500 companies across the state in areas such as strategy, growth, ESG initiatives and talent retention.
A Business-Friendly Environment for Jobs in Manufacturing
Howard County boasts a dynamic landscape for manufacturing employers. Vytex, a family-owned and operated window manufacturer, expanded its Laurel, MD manufacturing facility by an impressive 60,000 square feet in 2019, raising its total square footage to 220,000. Moreover, the region welcomed BTS Biogas from Italy in 2018, with the groundbreaking of its inaugural U.S. food waste-to-energy facility in Howard County and representing an up to $40 million investment in the county.
Dark Cloud Malthouse and the HCEDA
Founded by local Maryland engineer, Danny Buswell and local Maryland brewer, Jesse Kaiss, Dark Cloud Malthouse is the first maltster in Howard County. While most Maryland-brewed beer and distilled spirits are crafted using grain grown and malted thousands of miles away, Danny and Jesse introduced local grains to the Maryland/DC craft beverage market, taking advantage of the HCEDA’s array of business services and professional consultation to establish themselves in the county.
Featured News + Events
NextGen Founders: Building Howard County’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
This summer, high school and college students gained more than work experience through our 2026 summer internship program. They spent the summer working alongside our business units and Maryland Innovation Center companies while building the skills, connections and confidence to take their next steps. Through the Summer 2026 Youth in Business Series: NextGen Founders, interns also
LIFT Fund Helps Candles by Candy Turn Funding Into Business Growth
Access to capital can help a small business move forward. Pairing that capital with the right guidance can help an entrepreneur decide where to go next. For Candles by Candy, support through our LIFT Microloan Fund provided both. Founder Candace Bell has grown Candles by Candy from a passion for candle making into a Howard
What Howard County Businesses Gain from Business Appreciation Week
Running a business comes with plenty of opportunities and challenges. Business Appreciation Week gives Howard County businesses a direct way to share both with the people working to support the local business community. From September 28 through October 2, 2026, Ambassador teams will visit businesses across Howard County during Business Appreciation Week. The goal is simple: