Administrator Marie Johns visited Marlin Steel Wire Products in Baltimore today to discuss the State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) grant recently awarded to the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) and its support for small manufacturers and exporters.
Tax cuts in the Act will help businesses like Marlin Steel hire more workers, and investments in infrastructure will create more demand for small manufacturers.
They are exporting and using advanced manufacturing to grow and create jobs - proving that the Made in America brand is still strong.
Marlin Steel Wire manufactures steel baskets, hooks, and specialized sheet metal products, for export to 35 countries including China, Australia and Japan, and has relied on exporting to grow despite the recession. The firm was recognized by the City of Baltimore as a Regional Employer of the Year in 2007.
"The SBA has some unique programs that will help manufacturers and small businesses purchase equipment to stay competitive", said Drew Greenblatt, president of Marlin Steel Wire. "If we are more competitive, then we can grow jobs and grow exports. Marlin Steel Wire has purchased over $2 million worth of robots during the recession and it has enabled us to ship faster with a higher quality product. This has helped us grow jobs in tough times."
Small business exporters like Marlin Steel are leading the way in meeting President Obama's goal of doubling US exports by 2014. The STEP grants, made possible by the Small Business Jobs Act, were awarded to state international trade agencies to support increased exporting by small businesses. Maryland will receive $584,897 through the STEP grant program.
For more information:
SBA: www.sba.gov
STEP grants: http://www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/1/2889/resources/14315
Export Loan Programs: http://www.sba.gov/content/export-loan-programs
American Jobs Act: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/09/08/fact-sheet-american-jobs-act
