Governor Larry Hogan today announced that Penguin Random House, the renowned book publisher home to more than 300 international publishing imprints, has expanded its presence in Maryland with the opening of a second distribution center in Carroll County.
“To see Penguin Random House expand is very exciting news for our state and for our Carroll County workforce,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “We are proud to support the company in its endeavors and we look forward to watching its footprint continue growing right here in Maryland.”
The company, which has the largest of its four nationwide distribution centers in Westminster, has leased 1 million square-feet of space at 630 Hanover Pike in Hampstead for its new location in Carroll County. Over time, Penguin Random House plans to create 150 new full-time jobs at the facility, increasing its total employment number to 870 workers in Maryland.
“We have been enormously pleased with our Westminster Distribution and Fulfillment center. So, when we decided to expand into a fourth facility to support our continued nationwide focus on growth and innovation, it was a natural decision to select a second Maryland location,” said Annette Danek, executive vice president, supply chain, of Penguin Random House. “We are enthusiastic about the many terrific possibilities our Hampstead site can realize for our authors, booksellers, publishing partners—and for the career opportunities for our Westminster colleagues, and new job opportunities for Marylanders.”
In July 2013, two major book publishers, Penguin Group and Random House, merged into Penguin Random House. The company’s roots date back to the 1800’s, and its history in Maryland began in the 1960s. They have published many of the world’s most read authors, including more than 80 Nobel and over 100 Pulitzer laureates.
“Penguin Random House’s commitment to Carroll County and the surrounding area is an excellent investment for the entire state,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “Maryland continues to be a prime destination for companies looking to distribute their products easily and efficiently, and we’re excited to see how this new facility impacts the company and its customer experience.”
To assist with project costs, the Maryland Department of Commerce has approved a $325,000 conditional loan through Advantage Maryland, formerly the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF). The state is also providing a $25,000 workforce training grant through its Partnership for Workforce Quality (PWQ) program.
“Penguin Random House has been in Carroll County for over 50 years. They were, and still remain, one of the county’s largest private employers. Over the years, Carroll County has supported PRH and its predecessor companies in multiple expansions of its operations,” said Jack Lyburn, director of economic development. “Certainly, the leasing of this space is the biggest expansion yet for the company, which now occupies nearly 2.5 million square feet of space in the county. I want to thank PRH for their continued investment in the county and creating additional employment opportunities for Carroll County residents.”
To learn more about Penguin Random House, visit penguinrandomhouse.com.
About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.
About Penguin Random House
Penguin Random House, the world’s largest trade book publisher, is dedicated to its mission of nourishing a universal passion for reading by connecting authors and their writing with readers everywhere. The company, which employs more than 10,000 people globally, was formed on July 1, 2013, by Bertelsmann and Pearson. As of April 1, 2020, Bertelsmann is full owner of the company. With more than 300 imprints and brands on six continents, Penguin Random House comprises adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction print and digital English- German- and Spanish-language trade book publishing businesses in more than 20 countries worldwide. With over 15,000 new titles, and more than 600 million print, audio and eBooks sold annually, Penguin Random House’s publishing lists include more than 80 Nobel Prize laureates and hundreds of the world’s most widely read authors.
