Calvert County Economic Development Authority Announces First Recipient of Calvert County, Maryland Free Land Program

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- January 20, 1998 -- The Calvert County Economic Development Authority announced today that MDL Fabricating, Inc., is the first company to take advantage of the Free Land Incentive Program at the Calvert County Industrial Park. The incentive package was developed by the EDA to attract technology firms to the County in an effort to stimulate economic development and new construction in the Park, increase employment opportunities for Calvert's citizens and to introduce Calvert County's target industries to an alternative business location in the Greater Washington Region.

MDL's primary business function is to manufacture precision machine and fabricated components and assemblies for the defense and commercial industries. MDL's customer base includes direct support to all branches of the U.S. Armed Services, defense contractors, medical, engineering research and commercial industries. MDL currently employs 20 individuals and hopes to reach 80 employees with $7 million in sales by 2005.

"The Free Land Program opened a door of opportunity for us," said Doug Lingsch," MDL's President. "The Program will lower our overhead costs and allow us to immediately invest in new equipment like the industrial laser cutting machine. The Program helped give us leverage for this $4-$500,000 investment. Another benefit is the park's location. We've done a lot of work with PAX River in the past and hope that our proximity to the base will increase business opportunities with them."

"This program is the first of its kind in Southern Maryland, said Jim Hook, Vice Chair, Calvert County EDA. "MDL are the pioneers of the Free Land program and we hope that their expansion will prompt other technology firms in the Greater Washington region to consider taking advantage of this limited opportunity in the Park."

"MDL was an ideal candidate for this program," said Jeff Stone, Director of Economic Development. They matched our target market criteria, are ready to begin development of their property and, aside from the obvious benefits of having them in the Industrial Park, Calvert County is fortunate to have this rising star in the defense community."

As part of their contract with the EDA, MDL will be required to begin construction of a 15-20,000 square foot facility within 12 months, complete construction within 18 months and be physically on site within 24 months. Additionally MDL will be required to maintain a base employment of at least 20 individuals.

To qualify for the Free Land Incentive Program, companies must demonstrate that they fall within the County's target market industries, meet the predetermined set of criteria and match one of the Standard Industrial Classifications (SIC) identified as a target market industry by Calvert County. Businesses will also be required to:

• Begin construction of a new facility within two years;
• Hire the agreed upon number of employees;
• Maintain employment and ownership for 10 years; and
• Provide an initial investment of $.5M in Calvert County.

If the property is sold or otherwise changes ownership, except in limited cases, or employment levels are not maintained, payment will be due to the EDA under the terms originally negotiated.

The Calvert County Department of Economic Development maintains a list of the Standard Industrial Classifications on behalf of the EDA. To obtain more information, interested parties are asked to contact the Department at 410/535-4583. The EDA is responsible for promoting quality economic development County-wide and is the sole owner and manager of the Calvert County Industrial Park.

For more information please contact the Calvert County Department of Economic Development, 410-535-4583 or 301-855-1880, e-mail cced@co.cal.md.us.



For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; or send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com