Area Development
To help meet market demand, Dunlop Protective Footwear, a leading global manufacturer of protective footwear for workers in various industries, is planning to expand its United States-based production in Harford County, Maryland.

With assistance from a $100,000 training grant provided by the Maryland Department of Commerce, the company expects to nearly double the number of PVC boots and more than triple the number of Purofort boots it manufactures by 2020.

“Thanks to the diligence of our CFO Michael Witte and partnership with the state, we are extremely excited to continue to innovate and staff our American-based manufacturing plant with this grant,” said Mary Steinebrunner, general manager of Dunlop Protective Footwear USA. “We have been fortunate enough to have generations of families be part of Dunlop and this investment will help us to continue to grow the business and ensure that the next generation will be part of the Dunlop family as well.”

“Workforce training is a critical tool in fostering an innovative economic climate where businesses can grow and add jobs,” said Governor Hogan. “With $1 million in the PWQ program, we will be able to work closely with companies to ensure their employees have the skills needed to meet the demands of a 21st century workforce and compete in an innovation economy.”

“Harford County has a historic relationship with Dunlop Protective Footwear and we are proud to be the American home of this innovative manufacturer,” said County Executive Barry Glassman. “We also welcome this expansion and investment in their own workforce to make products that are protecting workers around the globe.”

“We are excited to help Dunlop expand production of its signature protective boots,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “This training grant will provide the company’s workforce with the latest technical skills to boost productivity as well as increase its competitive advantage in the global marketplace.”