Maryland’s push to attract high-tech manufacturing jobs is working, as the computer and electronic industry is the state’s largest manufacturing employer, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics.
Computer manufacturing jobs in Maryland number 22,934, or nearly 17 percent of the state’s manufacturing work force.
The jobs generate more than $1.7 billion in wages for workers.
The second-largest manufacturing industry is food manufacturing, with more than 14,000 workers, while the printing industry is third with nearly 13,000 workers. These industries each generate about $500 million.
This is the first year the census has separated the computer and electronics industries in compiling their statistics.
The statistics indicate Maryland’s push to move away from traditional manufacturing toward more high-tech industries seems to be working.
Montgomery County, in particular, has programs in place to bring such businesses to the area.
For instance, the county has established a business network for high-tech companies and recently welcomed Envisioner, a company that makes a powerful camera used in medical procedures.
“The network was created with the dream of attracting and nurturing the best and brightest, and creating a home for the next generation industry leaders,” said David Edgerly, director of Montgomery County’s economic development department.
Formed in 2000, the network — known as the Montgomery County Business Incubator Network — has helped bring more than 30 businesses in to the county. It won a national award for its efforts.
Montgomery is also attracting biotechnology firms.
It was recently announced that RNL Biostar, a biosciences firm from South Korea, will open its first U.S. office in the county.
The company specializes in stem cell work.
