Jan. 10—CUMBERLAND — A company has been chosen to begin work on a railway line that will connect a new local manufacturing facility to CSX tracks.
Allegany County commissioners on Thursday approved a $146,845 quote from Texas-based RailPros to conduct rail design at North Branch Industrial Park for Kingspan Roofing + Waterproofing.
Kingspan has numerous companies across the U.S. and is headquartered in Ireland.
Locally, the new manufacturing facility will provide large-scale production and distribution of roofing and waterproofing components.
“We are very excited about them being here,” said Dave Caporale, president of the county’s board of commissioners.
According to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, Kingspan in September purchased the former 348,000-square-foot Hunter Douglas building and about 35 acres for $13 million.
“This is a big deal for us,” said Jeff Barclay, director of the county’s Economic & Community Development Department. “It’s gonna be a good project.”
The proposed new rail tracks will connect to the CSX Cumberland Subdivision.
The county solicited multiple companies, suggested by CSX, and RailPros provided the lowest of three quotes for the rail design services.
The scope of work for the project includes a draft storm water pollution prevention plan, and hydrologic, hydraulic and environmental engineering.
“We are available to start immediately and anticipate engagement and coordination with the CSX staff within five working days from receiving Allegany County’s notice to proceed with our scope of work,” RailPros’ proposal stated.
According to a Maryland Department of Commerce document that outlines proposed financial assistance for the project, grants, investments and land equity support include $1 million from the state, the same amount from the George C. Edwards Fund, and $500,000 from the county.
State tax credits are estimated at $7,541,488.
Costs associated with the project are estimated at $50 million and include the land purchase, site improvement and manufacturing equipment.
Kingspan plans to hire 95 full-time employees by Dec. 31, 2029.
The company is expected to use Maryland contractors and construction workers on the project.
Additionally, the state encourages businesses to employ veterans.
Kingspan will likely use the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Hagerstown Regional Airport and the Port of Baltimore for its shipping and transportation.
In October, Gov. Wes Moore via press release said Kingspan’s new business in Allegany County “will put Maryland on the cutting edge of manufacturing, create good-paying jobs, advance our climate goals and grow our economy.”
Teresa McMinn is a reporter for the Cumberland Times-News. She can be reached at 304-639-2371 or tmcminn@times-news.com.
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