Maryland Unveils Holly Poultry Expansion with 140 New Jobs

In a bold move aimed at strengthening Maryland's food processing industry, Governor Wes Moore officially announced the expansion of Holly Poultry, a prominent state-based food company, on September 15, 2026. This expansion includes the opening of an 80,000-square-foot manufacturing facility located in Hanover, Anne Arundel County, which is anticipated to generate 140 new full-time jobs over the next four years. Such growth demonstrates a compelling case for contractors and suppliers specializing in food production and equipment to engage with local government efforts in the food processing sector.

The state and local economic development initiatives are backing this expansion with substantial financial support, which includes a $750,000 conditional loan from the Advantage Maryland program, $75,000 from the Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation, and a $50,000 grant via the Partnership for Workforce Quality program. These funding avenues underscore the state's commitment to fostering a thriving business environment that ignites job creation and economic growth in Anne Arundel County.

The Hanover facility signifies vital infrastructure for Holly Poultry as it enhances its capabilities across both processing and packaging domains. This facility is expected to bolster their grocery retail platform, which hosts a range of private-label and proprietary brands, including the well-known One Fine Chicken™ and Easy Street®. In Governor Moore's words, "Maryland is the best place for businesses to expand and thrive... supporting our state’s world-class food industry."

With over three decades of service, Holly Poultry has established itself as a key player within the Mid-Atlantic region, supplying food services and restaurants alike. The expansion into the sprawling new facility is strategically aligned with the company's continued evolution, setting the stage for further growth across its retail operations that cater to grocery store chains including ALDI, Giant Food, Harris Teeter, ShopRite, and Safeway. As the consumer base expands, Holly Poultry's dedicated efforts to maximize efficiency and product availability are expected to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Contractors and service providers who specialize in food processing or operational improvements have a notable chance to engage with opportunities connected to Holly Poultry's expansion. By tapping into the vast resources provided by the state and local agencies, potential partners can explore avenues to support manufacturing equipment, workforce training, and ancillary services that align with Holly Poultry’s ambitious plans.

Governor Moore reiterated the administration's commitment stating, "As we build a dynamic economy and pave pathways to work, wages, and wealth, our administration is dedicated to supporting businesses like Holly Poultry and creating opportunities for Maryland communities to thrive." This highlights a collaborative approach between various state and county agencies, signaling a robust framework for future partnerships and contract awards in Maryland's food industry. Through the lens of workforce training and enhancement, organizations involved in those domains will find avenues to align with grants such as the Partnership for Workforce Quality, which underpins the foundation necessary for Holly Poultry’s growth.