Dixon Valve & Coupling Co, a leading innovator in the hose coupling industry, is investing $20 million to expand operations and construct a 150,000 square-foot warehouse distribution center in Chestertown, Maryland.

Operating for more than 100 years, the company is one of the largest employers in Kent County with more than 340 employees. From this location, Dixon oversees 20 offices across North America and 1,600 employees worldwide.

“From our team of outstanding employees to our close ties to the community, growing our company in Maryland is very important to us,” said Dixon CEO Richard Goodall. “While we considered locations in other states for this project, we were pleased to be able to work with the Maryland Department of Commerce, Kent County Economic Development and the Town of Chestertown to make this expansion happen in Maryland.”

To assist with the expansion, the Maryland Department of Commerce has approved a $1 million conditional loan through the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF) program. The Kent County Commissioners are providing a $100,000 match to help complete the project, and the Town of Chestertown annexed the expansion property and assisted with obtaining the needed permits.

“Dixon has called Maryland home for more than 40 years, and we look forward to their continued growth and success here in our great state,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “By creating hundreds of jobs over the years, participating in on-the-job training, and providing scholarships to the local county schools, this company has had a tremendous impact on the Town of Chestertown and Kent County.”

“Commerce is pleased to work with Dixon on its expansion, which will enable the company to provide even better and more efficient service to its customers worldwide,” said Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “With a renewed focus on attracting, retaining, and expanding businesses, Maryland Commerce works closely with our partners in county and local government to ensure that companies like Dixon stay and grow right here in Maryland.”

“Kent County is committed to supporting Dixon in their expansion and construction of a new warehouse/distribution center,” said Kent County Commissioner William Short. “Dixon is an industry leader and we are proud they call Kent County home and appreciate their commitment to community. The new warehouse/distribution center is the first phase of a larger vision of the Chestertown Business Campus. We look forward to continuing our work with the state as this project progresses."

“Dixon Valve is the very definition of the good corporate citizen, and it’s hard to imagine Chestertown without it,” said Chestertown Mayor Chris Cerino. “The town is excited about this expansion. It’s creating opportunities for new businesses to locate here and for current businesses to follow Dixon’s lead and expand. This kind of public-private partnership makes an outsized impact in a community our size.”