State, Hardwire Agree on Pocomoke Flex Building Lease

Company to expand in Worcester County

BALTIMORE, MD – Mike Gill, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), today joined George Tunis, chairman and CEO of Hardwire LLC, to announce that the State has entered into an agreement with Hardwire Armor Systems under which the company will lease with an option to buy the Pocomoke Flex Building. Located at 1731 Broad Street in Pocomoke City, Md., the 42,000-square-foot building will be the third building occupied by Hardwire in the city.
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“Over the past 15 years, Hardwire’s products have strengthened our nation’s infrastructure, protected our war fighters, and addressed some of the most critical safety and security issues,” said Secretary Gill. “Governor Hogan and I are very pleased that the company has opted to expand its operations on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and help grow the state’s burgeoning high-tech defense and aerospace industries.”

Founded in 2000, the company first produced its namesake product Hardwire®, an ultra-high tensile strength steel composite designed to retrofit and reinforce buildings, bridges, and infrastructure. Since that time and over the past decade, Hardwire has designed, produced, and installed protective systems on bridges and utilities across the United States.

The company’s product line has also expanded to include armor protection for ground vehicles, aircraft, boats, and personnel, as well as bulletproof shields, clipboards, whiteboards, and backpack inserts to protect police forces, SWAT teams, school teachers and students. During the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Hardwire produced thousands of armor kits to protect the military.

“Over the past decade, we have been honored to serve our military and police customers, and Pocomoke City has been the perfect home for our business,” said Tunis. “We appreciate the hard work of Secretary Gill, DBED, and the county in enabling us to expand our manufacturing operations in order to produce products that keep people safe.”

The company currently employs 34 people in Pocomoke City and anticipates hiring new employees immediately and as operations expand over the next few years.

“The 10-year lease for the property represents another significant step in the growth of Hardwire,” said Robert C. Brennan, executive director of the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), which owns the building. “We’re very pleased with the continued State, county and local support spurring the company’s growth on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.”

"On behalf of the Worcester County Commissioners, I want to thank Governor Hogan and Secretary Gill for their leadership is partnering with Hardwire to create high technology manufacturing jobs in Worcester County,” said Bill Badger, county economic development director.

“The growth and expansion of Hardwire in Pocomoke City is an exciting development for our city,” said Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison. “The expanding partnership between Pocomoke City, Worcester County, the State of Maryland, and Hardwire continues to create local, family-supporting employment opportunities.”

About DBED

The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing workforce training and financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State's many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit www.choosemaryland.org.

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