Area Development
Smiths Detection, Inc., a transportation security firm, will relocate its headquarters to Edgewood, Maryland, a move expected to add approximately 100 jobs to the 225 existing positions in the company's Harford County facility over the next two years.

Smiths Detection provides government-regulated technology products and advanced services to global security experts and governments for chemical and biological warfare threat detection, including trace detection equipment, X-ray screening systems and other threat detection technologies.

"Smiths Detection will continue to make the investments necessary to be the leading provider of advanced security solutions for both domestic and international markets," said Lance Roncalli, Vice President of Sales, Americas, and U.S. Managing Director. "Growing our Maryland footprint gives us the opportunity to work more closely with core customers in and around Washington, D.C., whose mission is homeland security and to aid in safeguarding citizens, military trips, airports, ports, borders around the world."

"Smiths Detection has developed innovative products to address the most significant challenges we have faced as a nation since the attacks of September 11, 2001," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "Working with Smiths Detection to expand its operations here in Maryland, we are not only enhancing the State's ability to protect both our nation and our people, but also positioning Maryland as the leader in homeland security, creating jobs and growing our innovation economy."

As an incentive the State will provide a $750,000 conditional loan through the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund to assist in the Edgewood expansion. In addition, Harford County's Office of Economic Development will provide a training grant of up to $100,000.