Prince George’s County Manufacturers Awarded State Funding to Modernize Operations Through Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Program
By PRESS OFFICER
Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation
Largo, Md. (Feb. 5, 2026)—Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) congratulates two Prince George’s County manufacturing companies—Little Sesame and WD Advanced Materials LLC—on receiving funding through the State of Maryland’s Manufacturing 4.0 Grant Program, a competitive initiative designed to help manufacturers modernize operations and adopt Industry 4.0 technologies.
In the February 2026 award cycle, the Maryland Department of Commerce announced $2 million in Manufacturing 4.0 grants to support manufacturers statewide as they integrate advanced automation, data systems, and digital manufacturing solutions.
“Prince George’s County continues to demonstrate that innovation lives at every scale of manufacturing,” said Ingrid S. Watson, President & CEO of the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation. “The Manufacturing 4.0 investments awarded to Little Sesame and WD Advanced Materials reflect the strength and diversity of our local industrial base, from consumer food production to advanced materials supporting the semiconductor supply chain. These companies are modernizing their operations, strengthening their competitiveness, and reinforcing Prince George’s County as a place where forward-thinking manufacturers can grow, invest, and thrive.”
Prince George’s County Awardee
Little Sesame—Prince George’s County
Grant Award: $100,000
Little Sesame will integrate a four-lane automated filler-sealer system to digitize and streamline its hummus packaging operations. This investment will increase production throughput, improve product consistency and quality, enhance traceability, and position the company for smart-factory readiness as it continues to scale.
Prince George’s County Awardees
WD Advanced Materials LLC—Prince George’s County
Grant Award: $121,093
WD Advanced Materials LLC will implement a cloud-based MRP/QMS platform and establish an in-house diamond polishing capability. These upgrades will optimize production data, increase yields, enhance quality and traceability, and vertically integrate critical semiconductor-grade diamond finishing processes.
“These investments highlight the depth and diversity of Prince George’s County’s manufacturing sector,” said John A. Mason, Business Development Manager for Manufacturing and Warehouse/ Distribution/Fulfillment at PGCEDC. “Through the Manufacturing 4.0 program, companies like Little Sesame and WD Advanced Materials are modernizing their operations, increasing efficiency, and positioning themselves to compete globally.”
See the full list here: https://commerce.maryland.gov/Documents/Maryland.Manufacturing.4.0.Grant.Recipients.February.2026.pdf
The Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 program helps small- and mid-sized manufacturers adopt advanced technologies, including automation, robotics, data analytics, and smart manufacturing systems. These investments improve operational resilience, support workforce development, and drive long-term economic growth.
PGCEDC continues to work closely with manufacturing companies across Prince George’s County to connect them with state and local resources, capital programs, and strategic partnerships that enable modernization and expansion.
PGCEDC’s mission is to cultivate and promote a strong local economy supporting entrepreneurs’ and businesses’ growth and prosperity. It is dedicated to strengthening communities through business development and job creation. For more information about Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation’s services to local companies, visit www.pgcedc.com.
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United Way NCA Announces Merger With United Way of Southern Maryland, Expanding Its Reach to 14 Jurisdictions Throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia
Strategic Combination To Increase Community Impact to Advance Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunity, and Financial Security
By PRESS OFFICER
United Way of the National Capital Area
WASHINGTON (Feb. 2, 2026)—Today, United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) and United Way of Southern Maryland announce a merger between the two organizations, effective immediately. The merger maximizes both organizations’ ability to enhance community impact, streamline operations, and expand services across the region to improve lives and strengthen communities in the now 14 counties, including Southern Maryland’s Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties, and United Way NCA’s 11 jurisdictions of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax/Falls Church, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Rappahannock County, Culpeper County, and Fauquier County in Virginia; Montgomery County and Prince George’s County in Maryland; and the District of Columbia.
“The fundamental reason for this new model is simple: together, we can make the most meaningful, lasting impact across our three impact areas of: Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunity, and Financial Security to cover our now 14-county footprint by sharing resources, talent, relationships, data, and best practices to expand our reach into the community,” said Rosie Allen-Herring, President and CEO, United Way of the National Capital Area.
“The joining of our two United Ways holds extra special meaning for me and my family as lifelong residents of Southern Maryland,” Steve Proctor, Board Chair, United Way of National Capital Area and CEO, G.S. Proctor & Associates. “We look forward to continuing this important work so that families thrive in the region.”
“This change comes after careful consideration and a shared commitment to strengthening the impact we have together in the community,” said Yonelle Moore Lee, Esq., Board Chair, United Way of Southern Maryland. “United Way of Southern Maryland has accomplished incredible work over the years—mobilizing resources, supporting families, and driving initiatives that have improved lives across the three counties we serve. None of this would have been possible without the partnership, generosity, and unwavering support of our communities.”
The merger, encouraged and endorsed by United Way Worldwide, provides United Way NCA with a broader footprint to extend its work by enabling the organization to maximize resources, expand data-driven programs and services, and strengthen existing partnerships and create new ones.
As United Way of the National Capital Area seeks to fully serve Southern Maryland communities, a series of town hall events and community volunteer engagements will be held across Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary Counties over the next several months. Details on these important community events will be shared in the coming weeks so that they can be broadly attended by community members, community leaders, and United Way partners.
Additionally, as part of United Way of the National Capital Area’s commitment to the communities of Southern Maryland, the organization will be co-hosting an event with Senator Angela Alsobrooks, “Get Back on Your Feet,” at the College of Southern Maryland on March 28, which will provide support for Marylanders navigating financial recovery and stability through rental and utility assistance, debt repair, credit counseling, workforce development, and much more.
“The strength of our organizations allows us to accomplish more and build additional capacity to engage people, communities and organizations, elevate brand strength and awareness, and manage and diversify revenue streams more effectively across 14 counties,” said Allen-Herring. “As United Way NCA looks to soon celebrate its 100th birthday, the merger marks a milestone that charts our future for a thriving national capital area.”
For nearly 100 years, United Way of the National Capital Area has worked to mobilize communities to action so all can thrive. Guided by our mission, we are committed to creating measurable impact in the areas of Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunity, and Financial Security for every person in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax/Falls Church, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Rappahannock County, Culpeper County and Fauquier County in Virginia; Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s County, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County in Maryland; and the District of Columbia. In 2020, United Way NCA was among 384 organizations across the United States to receive a generous transformational investment from novelist and venture philanthropist, MacKenzie Scott. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayNCA.org
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