A new advanced manufacturing and defense technology project is taking shape in Charles County as partners broke ground on the Maryland Energetics
Innovation Hub, a facility expected to support research, production, and workforce growth tied to the region’s defense sector.
The project is being developed through a partnership between the American Center for Manufacturing & Innovation (ACMI), the Energetics Technology Center, and local and federal stakeholders. The initiative is backed by a $50 million award from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division and is expected to attract more than $200 million in private investment.
County officials say the project further strengthens the Western Charles County Technology Corridor, a growing cluster of defense, technology, and advanced manufacturing activity anchored by Naval Support Facility Indian Head.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Maryland Energetics Innovation Hub in Charles County and to welcome new and expanding investment into our local economy,” said Charles County Economic Development Director Jim Chandler. “This project strengthens our economic base, drives private sector growth, and expands opportunities for advanced manufacturing, innovation, and high-quality jobs.”
The Maryland Energetics Innovation Hub is designed to bring together industry, government, and academic partners to address manufacturing and production challenges related to energetics and defense technologies. Project leaders say the facility will support research, testing, and production capabilities while helping accelerate innovation and strengthen critical supply chains.
The groundbreaking comes as the Department of Defense continues investing heavily in the region. According to the announcement, the U.S. Navy plans to invest approximately $2.7 billion over the next decade in modernization projects and infrastructure improvements associated with Naval Support Facility Indian Head.
For counties, the project highlights the role local governments can play in leveraging federal assets and strategic partnerships to attract private investment, create jobs, and support long-term economic development goals.
As construction moves forward, county leaders view the project as another step in positioning Western Charles County as a growing hub for defense technology, advanced manufacturing, and innovation.
