February 16th, 2017 by WCBC Radio
Freshly, a health-conscious food delivery service headquartered in New York City, is opening a meal distribution center in Savage and plans to add 500 new jobs by the end of 2018. Expected to open in fall 2017, the new 171,000 square-foot facility will be located at Bollman Place and serve as the company’s East Coast location for food preparation, cooking, assembly, and distribution. The company plans to invest $8 million for machinery and equipment.
“After searching the region we determined that Howard County would be an ideal location to expand our services to the East Coast,” said Michael Wystrach, CEO of Freshly. “After seeing all the food processing and distribution resources already located here, it made sense to me that we would want to be where we can get the freshest foods for our clients.”
Freshly’s meals are delivered fresh, never frozen, are free of gluten and processed sugars, and are made with all natural products. The company also values sustainability, as their products are shipped using recycled denim, recyclable containers and are portion controlled to help minimize food waste. The company raised $21 million in July 2016, which company officials said will help expand their service to all 50 states, as well as expand its menu and improve technology.
“It is a tremendous win for the state and for Howard County that the fast-growing startup Freshly is establishing a significant presence in Maryland,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “This new facility and the 500 new jobs it brings underscores our administration’s promise to make Maryland more business friendly and create new opportunities for our citizens.”
“Freshly will be a great addition to the business community along the Rt. 1 corridor,” said Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman. “Its innovative approach to providing fresh, healthy and sustainable food will be a great compliment to the growing food and distribution industries already located here. Soon, people all across the east coast will enjoy fresh food prepared in Howard County.”
“We are excited to welcome Freshly to Maryland, and look forward to working with this innovative company to continue its growth here,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “With access to one-third of the U.S. population within an overnight drive, Maryland provides a competitive advantage for a fresh-foods business like Freshly to reach a significant customer base.”
“The Rt. 1 corridor has become a hub for the distribution industry thanks to its convenient access to major infrastructure and central location between Baltimore and Washington,” said Lawrence Twele, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. “Over the last several years we have seen a major surge in the number of food processing and distribution companies that are taking stock in the area. We are excited to have Freshly become the latest company to join this expanding industry on the Rt. 1 corridor.”
To assist with project costs, the Maryland Department of Commerce has approved a $1 million conditional loan through the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF). The company is also eligible for various tax credits, including Maryland’s Job Creation Tax Credit.
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