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Amid a myriad of supply chain issues, ranging from record-long backlogs at the nation’s biggest ports to a shortage of qualified truck drivers and factory employees, one state is taking matters into its own hands to attack the problem.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced Dec. 14, 2021, that the state’s Department of Commerce and the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership would roll out a supply chain resiliency program to enable local manufacturers to withstand challenging supply chain circumstances.
Hogan’s office said the program would provide Maryland manufacturers with ways to learn and promote best practices for bolstering their supply chains, as well as help with crisis management and risk mitigation. It will also help producers network with local suppliers and customers.
“Maryland continues to be a national leader in helping to address the supply chain crisis that is affecting families, businesses, and industries,” Hogan said in a news release. “This new program is an innovative way to help manufacturers deal with these challenges and boost the resiliency of our supply base.”
Under the initiative, state grants would become available to provide technical assistance to manufacturers that have experienced financial, supply chain networks, and workforce hardships during 2020 and 2021. The assistance could come in a variety of forms, including supply chain solutions, exporting advice, coaching, market prospecting, and technology improvements.
“We recognize that many of Maryland’s manufacturers have been hurt by COVID-19, and we are so pleased to have received this grant, which will enable us to give them the support and expert guidance they need,” Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz said.
Alongside the initiative, Gov. Hogan noted that the Port of Baltimore has added two new shipping container services, which will add 21 new ships to the port’s weekly schedules.
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