Conair planning 700 jobs at distribution center near Hagerstown, Gov. Moore announces

Julie E. Greene, The Herald-Mail
Updated ·3 min read

Conair LLC, "a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer" of health and beauty products and kitchen appliances is planning to open a distribution center in Washington County, creating about 700 new full-time jobs over the next decade, according to Gov. Wes Moore's office.

The Stamford, Conn.-based company will lease about 2.1 million square feet at what a news release from the governor's office described as a "soon to be constructed facility at 10440 Downsville Pike and 17250 Sterling Road" southeast of Hagerstown.

That is the site of developer Trammell Crow's MidAtlantic Crossroads project, across Downsville Pike from the headquarters for Washington County Public Schools.

The future Conair distribution center, being developed by Trammell Crow, is seen from Sterling Avenue, looking at the front of the building facing Downsville Pike, on Tuesday. Gov. Wes Moore's office announced Conair would be moving into the collective 2.1 million square feet of warehouse space across from the Washington County Public Schools headquarters, bringing with it 700 jobs.

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How big are the buildings at the Trammell Crow site?

Two connected buildings, one that is more than 1.2 million square feet and the other 909,440 square feet, have been constructed at the site at Downsville Pike and Sterling Road, according to Trevor Frederick, vice president for Frederick, Seibert & Associates, the civil engineering firm for the project.

The future Conair distribution center, being developed by Trammell Crow, is seen from Sterling Avenue, looking at the front of the building facing Downsville Pike, on Tuesday. Gov. Wes Moore's office announced Conair would be moving into the collective 2.1 million square feet of warehouse space across from the Washington County Public Schools headquarters, bringing with it 700 jobs.

"The entire building is currently constructed but the contractors are still working on finishing the building 2 section (closest to Bower Avenue)," Frederick said in an email.

According to the release from the governor's office, the facility "is believed to become the largest single distribution center in the state."

What incentives is Conair getting?

The Maryland Department of Commerce is working to approve a $2 million Advantage Maryland conditional loan, the release states.

The state funding requires Conair to employ at least 500 full-time workers by Dec. 31, 2027, according to an email from Karen Glenn Hood, spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Commerce. The company must maintain that employment level for the loan's full 10-year term.

The future Conair distribution center, being developed by Trammell Crow, is seen from Sterling Avenue, looking at the back of the building, on Tuesday. Gov. Wes Moore's office announced Conair would be moving into the collective 2.1 million square feet of warehouse space across from the Washington County Public Schools headquarters, bringing with it 700 jobs.

Washington County officials are planning to provide a $200,000 conditional loan, pending approval by the county commissioners, the state release says.

Conair also is eligible for other incentives and tax credits.

What are Washington County, state and Conair officials saying?

“We are honored that industry leader Conair has selected Washington County as home for its newest distribution facility,” County Commissioners President John Barr said in the state news release.

“The investment of $75 million dollars into this property will significantly benefit our local economy and workforce. This announcement further verifies Washington County is a strategic hub for interstate commerce and we are proud to add Conair to the list of internationally recognized companies who have put their roots down in our wonderful community," Barr said.

“After meeting with Governor Moore, I am delighted to find a shared commitment to creating prosperity and fostering a thriving business environment,” said Conair LLC Chief Executive Officer and President Ronald T. Diamond in the state release.

“We are looking forward to this partnership, which will allow us to be more responsive to our customers’ needs,” said Conair Senior Vice President of Distribution and Logistics Dan Kochenash via the state release. “As we work together with the Maryland Department of Commerce, this operation provides us with a platform to improve service today and expand our business in the future.”

“We are pleased to assist Conair with its move into Western Maryland,” Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson said in the news release. “By locating in Washington County, the company will have convenient access to major consumer markets, as well as several highways and ground and freight hubs. We look forward to seeing Conair grow throughout the region over the next decade.”

Moore, in the release, said, "Our state’s distribution and logistics industry continues to thrive as companies aim to reach customers in record time. Conair will see great success with this new facility and our dedicated local workforce.”

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Conair planning 700 jobs at warehouse on Downsville Pike near I-70