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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Lanco Dairy Farms Expands Dairy Operation in Washington County, Maryland

08/30/2017
Lanco Dairy Farms established a cheese-making operation in Washington County, Maryland. The company invested more than $24 million to acquire and refurbish the former Saputo Inc. cheese facility, located on Warfordsburg Road in Hancock.

Lanco currently has 74 employees, including some workers who were displaced when the Saputo facility closed in 2014. The company has submitted a notice of intent and is among the first to start the application process under the More Jobs for Marylanders Act, which provides tax incentives to new and existing manufacturers in the state that create jobs.

To assist with project costs, the Maryland Department of Commerce is providing a $225,000 conditional loan through the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund. Additionally, Washington County is providing a $180,000 conditional loan through its Board of County Commissioners. The company is also eligible for various state and local tax credits.

“Our administration is committed to growing manufacturing jobs in Maryland, and we are thrilled to see great companies like Lanco Dairy Farms already taking advantage of our More Jobs for Marylanders Act to hire more workers,” said Gov. Larry Hogan. “As the now-largest employer in Hancock, this expansion will provide new opportunities for local dairy farmers, benefiting Western Maryland and the entire state.”

Lanco Dairy Farms is also known as Lanco-Pennland, a marketing cooperative that was founded in Lancaster County, Pa. in 1998. Today, Lanco-Pennland has an office in Hagerstown and is known as a leader in marketing milk on the East Coast.

The co-op strives to help its farmers achieve the highest possible price for their product, while serving the dairy industry with integrity, transparency, and quality. Lanco also focuses on leading the industry by example by providing education and information to its members before issues arise.

Lanco began making cheese in order to maximize the value of its 650 member dairy co-op. Currently, the company produces more than 2 million pounds of cheese per month.

“Lanco-Pennland has shown a significant commitment to the county with their financial investment,” stated Board of County Commissioner President Terry L. Baker. “In return, we are showing our commitment by assisting them in bringing new jobs to our county.”

??“Maryland Commerce is pleased to assist with this project, which provides new jobs for the Town of Hancock and Washington County with a lot of potential for future growth,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “Lanco Dairy Farms has been a great corporate citizen, working closely with the local community to rehire many of the workers displaced when the Saputo factory closed three years ago.”

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