Maryland Chemical Company Inc. is on the move.
The Baltimore chemical distributor broke ground Wednesday at the site of its soon-to-be new home on Childs Street in Fairfield.
“This is the start of something really great for Maryland Chemical,” said Jeanette Glose Partlow, president of Maryland Chemical. “I am happy to report that industry is alive in Baltimore. We are thrilled to be a part of the Fairfield renaissance.”
For the last 54 years, the family-owned company operated out of its Russell Street location in southwest Baltimore. The firm was asked to relocate a few years ago with the upcoming construction of the 11-acre “Gateway South” waterfront office and retail site in the Russell Street area.
“It was tense at first, but we really embraced the idea of having a new home and all of the advantages it would bring us,” Partlow said.
The Baltimore Development Corp. played a large role in finding Maryland Chemical?s new location.
“They needed to be relocated, which is not easy,” said M.J. “Jay” Brodie, president of the Baltimore Development Corp. “We said to them, ?We?re going to make sure we find a space for you in Baltimore.? Maryland Chemical has a long history and tradition.”
Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon attended the groundbreaking ceremony and praised Maryland Chemical for keeping its business in the city.
“I know it?s been a long process, and it?s not over, but you will have the office you want,” Dixon said. “We don?t want to lose the history and the foundation that?s made Baltimore strong.”
Maryland Chemical?s new building, five minutes from its current location, will be 50 percent to 75 percent larger than its current home, Partlow said.
The project, at $2 million, will improve Maryland Chemical?s distribution efficiency and allow the company to grow, adding jobs in the process. The company now employs 20.
Partlow?s grandfather established Maryland Chemical in 1953, her father is the chairman of the board, and Partlow and her siblings are co-owners.
The company?s new facility should be running in six to eight months, Partlow said, just in time for Maryland Chemical?s 55th anniversary on March 1, 2008.
About Maryland Chemical
The company serves companies throughout the mid-Atlantic region, delivering products and chemicals. Maryland Chemical delivers to a broad array of businesses, including building contractors, food industries and municipalities.
