Local Industry Sectors

Western Maryland has abundant natural resources, stunning outdoor vistas, a supportive community, and proximity to many of the country’s major markets.

Outdoor recreation and lifestyle products manufactured in Allegany and Garrett counties can be tested on its whitewater rivers, trout streams, trails, and ski slopes. These unique features all come together in the region to provide an opportunity to grow manufacturing businesses—and to start new ones—that make outdoor recreation and lifestyle products.

Research Driven Results

In 2023, Allegany and Garrett Counties with support from the State of Maryland’s Department of Commerce and Tourism, partnered with Downstream Strategies, an environmental and economic development consulting firm to conduct an in depth study on outdoor manufacturing feasibility in Western Maryland. The Manufacturing Business Attraction Analysis study assessed the potential growth of outdoor recreation and lifestyle manufacturing.

This Manufacturing Business Attraction Analysis combines an initial quantitative analysis with follow-up qualitative interviews with business owners, economic development and tourism professionals, and civic leaders.

The quantitative and qualitative research focused on four outdoor recreation and lifestyle manufacturing industry clusters that have been identified to have great potential in bringing businesses and jobs to the region as it grows into more of an outdoor recreation and lifestyle manufacturing hub.

Top Industry Clusters

Apparel →

The Apparel Cluster includes businesses that produce many types of clothing footwear, and fabric-type materials that would be utilized in outdoor recreation.

Timber / Wood →

The Timber/Wood Cluster includes manufacturing that utilizes local forest products to make a wide variety of products, many of which can be marketed to the visitors who come for the region’s outdoor recreation and lifestyle opportunities. Some outdoor recreation–related products made from wood, such as certain boats, oars and other boating accessories, are captured in the Outdoor Vehicles, Boats, Parts, and Accessories cluster; however, the benefits generated by sourcing locally produced timber would still apply. Our analysis of this cluster acknowledges both small-scale craft manufacturing as well as larger production techniques.

Timber / Wood →

The Timber/Wood Cluster includes manufacturing that utilizes local forest products to make a wide variety of products, many of which can be marketed to the visitors who come for the region’s outdoor recreation and lifestyle opportunities. Some outdoor recreation–related products made from wood, such as certain boats, oars and other boating accessories, are captured in the Outdoor Vehicles, Boats, Parts, and Accessories cluster; however, the benefits generated by sourcing locally produced timber would still apply. Our analysis of this cluster acknowledges both small-scale craft manufacturing as well as larger production techniques.

Outdoor Vehicles, Boats, Parts, and Accessories →

The Outdoor Vehicles, Boats, Parts, and Accessories Cluster includes not just the manufacturing of vehicles and boats, but also parts and accessories used to build, fix, and outfit them. In addition to boats, it includes off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, and eBikes.

Specialty Foods →

The Specialty Foods Cluster includes businesses that produce energy bars, trail mix, energy drinks, or other foods and beverages aligned with outdoor recreation. This cluster includes small-scale production using inputs grown on local farms.