CHUTES International, a company that produces a variety of plastic and metal laundry and trash chutes, is expanding its manufacturing operations in Charles County. The company plans to relocate from its current 12,000 square-foot facility in White Plains to a more than 43,000-square-foot location on Industrial Park Drive in Waldorf.
With a larger facility, CHUTES plans to add at least 15 new employees, and will have the ability to bring in more items that are currently being outsourced. The company currently employs 50 workers in Charles County.
The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) is assisting with the expansion by providing a $155,000 loan through the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF) program. In addition, the Charles County Department of Economic Development is providing a conditional loan of $32,500, and the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MDMEP) worked with the company to further its strategic plan and design the new manufacturing space layout.
“We are excited to be staying local, especially for our employees, as many are long-term, dedicated and amazing people,” said Heidi Wood, CHUTES’ administration manager. “The incentives being offered allow us to remain accessible to them and the county’s workforce for future expansion. We see this as a long-term, mutually-beneficial decision.”
Since 1989, CHUTES International has provided a number of solutions for debris removal, and today, the company offers heavy-duty external trash chutes, internal trash, recycling and linen chutes, trash compactors, recycling sorters, and more. Among their customers are Clark Construction, Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, Bechtel International, Sunbelt Rentals, Safway Scaffolding, and various other in- and out-of-state companies.
“It's exciting to see a Maryland company like CHUTES, which has been an asset to the state and local community for 25 years, expand its footprint here,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Our administration is fully committed to creating jobs and expanding economic opportunity here and this partnership is a great example of that commitment.”
"DBED's loan was critical to CHUTES' expansion in Charles County, and has made their decision to stay local a win-win situation for all involved -- the company, county, and state of Maryland," said Darrell Brown, director of the Charles County Economic Development Department.
About DBED
The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State's many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit www.choosemaryland.org.