For Immediate Release:
February 4th, 2026
For more information, contact
Rhett Butler
Marketing & Communications Manager
Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation
Cell: 240-427-7926
Prince George’s County Manufacturers Awarded State Funding to Modernize Operations Through Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Program
Laurel, MD — Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) congratulates two Prince George’s County manufacturing companies — Little Sesame and WD Advanced Materials LLC — on receiving funding through the State of Maryland’s Manufacturing 4.0 Grant Program, a competitive initiative designed to help manufacturers modernize operations and adopt Industry 4.0 technologies.
In the February 2026 award cycle, the Maryland Department of Commerce announced $2 million in Manufacturing 4.0 grants to support manufacturers statewide as they integrate advanced automation, data systems, and digital manufacturing solutions.
“Prince George’s County continues to demonstrate that innovation lives at every scale of manufacturing,” said Ingrid S. Watson, President & CEO of the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation. “The Manufacturing 4.0 investments awarded to Little Sesame and WD Advanced Materials reflect the strength and diversity of our local industrial base, from consumer food production to advanced materials supporting the semiconductor supply chain. These companies are modernizing their operations, strengthening their competitiveness, and reinforcing Prince George’s County as a place where forward-thinking manufacturers can grow, invest, and thrive.”
Prince George’s County Awardee
Little Sesame — Prince George’s County
Grant Award: $100,000
Little Sesame will integrate a four-lane automated filler-sealer system to digitize and streamline its hummus packaging operations. This investment will increase production throughput, improve product consistency and quality, enhance traceability, and position the company for smart-factory readiness as it continues to scale.
Prince George’s County Awardees
WD Advanced Materials LLC — Prince George’s County
Grant Award: $121,093
WD Advanced Materials LLC will implement a cloud-based MRP/QMS platform and establish an in-house diamond polishing capability. These upgrades will optimize production data, increase yields, enhance quality and traceability, and vertically integrate critical semiconductor-grade diamond finishing processes.
“These investments highlight the depth and diversity of Prince George’s County’s manufacturing sector,” said John A. Mason, Business Development Manager for Manufacturing and Warehouse/ Distribution/Fulfillment at PGCEDC. “Through the Manufacturing 4.0 program, companies like Little Sesame and WD Advanced Materials are modernizing their operations, increasing efficiency, and positioning themselves to compete globally.”
See the full list here: https://commerce.maryland.gov/Documents/Maryland.Manufacturing.4.0.Grant.Recipients.February.2026.pdf
The Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 program helps small- and mid-sized manufacturers adopt advanced technologies, including automation, robotics, data analytics, and smart manufacturing systems. These investments improve operational resilience, support workforce development, and drive long-term economic growth.
PGCEDC continues to work closely with manufacturing companies across Prince George’s County to connect them with state and local resources, capital programs, and strategic partnerships that enable modernization and expansion.
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About Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation
PGCEDC's mission is to cultivate and promote a strong local economy supporting entrepreneurs' and businesses' growth and prosperity. It is dedicated to strengthening communities through business development and job creation. For more information about Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation's services to local companies, visit www.pgcedc.com.