Batching Systems, Inc. Relocates Operations to Calvert County Industrial Park Under Free Land Program

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- December 16, 1999 -- The Calvert County Economic Development Authority (EDA) announced today that Batching Systems, Inc., a Calvert-based company, will relocate their Southern Maryland operations to the Calvert County Industrial Park. Batching Systems will relocate to the Industrial Park as the third recipient of the County's Free Land Program.

Batching Systems, Inc. is a global supplier of automated equipment specializing in the design, manufacture and installation of turn-key systems that count, weight and fill products for the packaging industry. BSI systems are designed for use in the packaging kit or for taking bulk product to retail sized units. BSI has a strong market presence in the following industries: toys; ready-to-assemble furniture; plumbing hardware kits; fasteners; automotive after market; electronic components; candy and snack foods. Many of BSI systems are built to customer requirements and provide fast, accurate product counting or weighting into bags, boxes, blisters, bottles, other retail containers and recyclable tote bins for supplying assembly line production.

As part of their contract with the EDA, Batching Systems will be required to begin construction of the 130,000 sq/ft facility by June 1, 2000. Construction and development is planned in three phases; the property is valued at $55,000 per acre or approximately $565,000.

BSI currently has 50 employees including engineers, welders, assemblers, electronic technicians and administrative staff. Employment is anticipated to increase after the relocation is completed. BSI president, Don Wooldridge, stated "I am pleased with Calvert County's support of BSI. I hope that this move to a central location in the county will help us with our continuing search for skilled employees including embedded software engineers, electrical and mechanical engineers, computer design technicians and electrical technicians."

"Batching Systems is a strong, growing existing company here in Calvert. We look forward to having them expand in our business community," said Terri Wolfley, Chair, EDA. "They are a terrific example of how a small business can grow to be a very successful and profitable business in the County."

"Batching Systems is a unique company that supplies global customers. We are thrilled that they have decided to expand in Calvert County," said Linda Kelley, President, Board of County Commissioners. "They are an established business and having them in Calvert County sends a clear message to the business community - Calvert County is serious about helping its existing business community and, more importantly, that Calvert is a viable business location. Furthermore, this move allows them to expand their operations and take advantage of some tremendous Enterprise Zone advantages in the Industrial Park."

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.

The Calvert County Industrial Park consists of 226 acres divided into 42 lots. The park is the largest full-scale industrial park in the County and is designated as a Maryland Enterprise Zone. The Calvert County Industrial Park is the only Enterprise Zone in Southern Maryland. The average lot size is 2.5 acres. The Park is located five miles west of Prince Frederick and 32 miles from the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. 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. Please also visit Batching Systems at www.batchingsystems.com or contact them at 301.855.4697.

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