Conair to Open Maryland’s Largest Distribution Center
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Maryland officials have welcomed plans for the state’s largest single distribution center in a 2.1 million-square-foot facility by Conair providing access to mid-Atlantic freight hubs for the top maker of health and beauty products as well as kitchen appliances.
“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,” Gov. Wes Moore announced recently. “It’s very exciting to welcome a global company like Conair to Maryland.”
The distribution center will be built in an industrial development in Hagerstown, Washington County, about an hour’s drive to Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and 70 miles from the Port of Baltimore. The CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Corp. rail lines run through the county, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains.
“We are looking forward to this partnership, which will allow us to be more responsive to our customers’ needs,” Dan Kochenash, Conair senior vice president of distribution and logistics, noted. “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.”
The distribution center will be built in an industrial development in Hagerstown, Washington County. (Mid-Atlantic Crossroads)
The company will lease 2.1 million square feet at a soon-to-be-constructed facility that is being hailed to become Maryland’s largest single distribution center. The site offers multiple highway connects. It has direct access to Interstate 70, and is less than a mile from I-81.
“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,” said Kevin Anderson, state Commerce Secretary.
Real estate developer Trammell Crow Co. noted that Conair plans to build an enormous contiguous warehouse space in two segments. Phase I involves constructing a 1.23 million-square-foot warehouse on 88 acres where ground has already been broken. The second phase would add a 909,658-square-foot facility on 46 acres scheduled for completion next April.
The industrial development will have 40 feet of clear height, 185-foot truck courts, multiple drive-in doors and crossdock loading functionality. Natural amenities include a pollinator meadow, a seven-acre forestation area, micropool and a bluebird habitat.
“After meeting with Governor Moore, I am delighted to find a shared commitment to creating prosperity and fostering a thriving business environment,” said Ronald Diamond, Conair CEO and president.
Based in Stamford, Conn., Conair brands include Cuisinart, Conair, Babyliss and Waring for products sold in 120 countries across six continents.
Conair will add 700 new full-time jobs over the next decade in its mid-Atlantic expansion.
John Barr, Washington County president of the Board of County Commissioners, noted that Conair’s investment “of $75 million 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.”
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To assist with project costs, the Maryland Department of Commerce plans to approve a $2 million conditional loan through Advantage Maryland. In addition, Washington County intends to kick in a $200,000 conditional loan to help Conair for the project. The company is also eligible for other state financial incentives and tax credits.
Chris Rodriguez, principal of Trammell Crow’s Mid-Atlantic industrial platform, noted that Conair’s new distribution center will give it transportation access to the entire Eastern Seaboard within a day’s drive.
“As we continue to see industrial tenant requirements grow in size, the site’s capability to provide a contiguous 2.1 million-square-foot facility on a single site was intriguing, and ultimately it was that capability that drew Conair to this location,” Rodriguez explained.
