Get ready! The application is now available for the second round of funding for the Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 grant program. This program offers valuable grants to small and mid-sized manufacturers in Maryland. It empowers manufacturers to invest in cutting-edge technologies, such as robotics and digital business practices, aligned with the principles of Industry 4.0. This pilot program is transitioning to a permanent three-year program, funded by Governor Moore and the General Assembly. With one million dollars available in funding, competition is expected to be keener than last year! The applications launched August 7th and the final day to submit is October 18th at 5:00 PM. ​

This is an incredible opportunity for manufacturers to stay competitive and drive efficiency. Studies have demonstrated that companies that strategically invest in Industry 4.0 technologies experience increased productivity, sales, cost savings, and employee retention. By leveraging these innovations, metal fabricators can unlock new opportunities for operational improvements and boost productivity.

Depending on the size of your company, awarded grants will cover 50-75% of project costs.  And 20% of the funds will be reserved for small manufacturers with 3-50 employees, so smaller manufacturers won’t miss out! ​When considering funding requests, factors such as the organization's location in Maryland, how many people they employ, their sector, ownership (women owned/minority owned), and economic need will all be taken into consideration. In order to be eligible, your entity must be registered as NAICS 31-33 manufacturer located in Maryland, regardless of parent company location. Your company can have multiple NAICs codes, as long as one ends in 31, 32, or 33. ​

Bear in mind, this is not a bridge to start a manufacturing process but rather for those already making products and seeking 4.0 technology advancements. So this program is not for replacing old equipment- your company needs a long-term vision for how you will achieve 4.0.  Your proposal should fit within that vision and show how it will make a key difference on the path to 4.0!

​Awards will be announced in early December and recipients will get half the money upfront, followed by reimbursement throughout the year. In order to receive funding in full, receipts will need to be submitted. That being said, the project does not necessarily need to be completed within this year, so long as all money has been spent before the end of that calendar year.

Recent developments in the metal fabrication industry have witnessed the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies to revolutionize traditional workflows. These funds can be used to adopt sensors and AI that will improve your manufacturing process, preventative maintenance, productivity levels, machine uptime/downtime and overall business intelligence! Let's explore some key ways metal fabricators can harness this grant program to optimize their operations:

Connected Welding or Plasma Cutting Machines for Real-Time Monitoring and Collaboration
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Connected machines enable seamless communication and collaboration across the shop floor. Through the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors embedded in machines collect valuable real-time data on equipment performance, consumable consumption, and maintenance needs. This data can be analyzed to identify bottlenecks, optimize production schedules, and ensure proactive maintenance, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency.

Automation for Streamlined Tasks and Increased Efficiency

Automation plays a pivotal role in reducing human error, improving precision, and accelerating production cycles. Welding robotic systems or cobots can handle repetitive or labor-intensive tasks with greater speed and accuracy, allowing skilled operators to focus on more complex responsibilities. Additionally, automated cutting tables can greatly assist in consistent component production and productivity.

Employee Training

​Don't forget that this grant will also cover employee training and consultative services around 4.0 technologies. So, the costs that always come with using new systems, technologies, or equipment is covered- setting your team up for success!

​What can the funds not do? 
Unfortunately, grant funds cannot be used to reimburse pre-purchased technology.​

Having a compelling application in this competitive grant is very important! Companies should consult vendors for quotes and specs to make the application package more robust. Since the state is unlikely to give multiple awards to a single company, applicants should put their best foot forward and submit their strongest application. These applications need to tell a story- think of how new technology can lead to increased sales, new hires and a new product line and elaborate on that.

If you're not yet feeling inspired or excited by the possibilities, consider attending the Maryland Manufacturing Innovation Conference. The event will take place at the University of Maryland College Park Hotel on October 3rd, 2023. It will feature a tech showcase with providers and integrators displaying scanning, AR/VR, robotics and automation solutions.  The event will also cover learning topics related to technology, talent and transformation in order to help businesses improve. Swing by Earlbeck's booth to learn about the best solutions for your business!

Earlbeck Gases & Technologies, a leading provider of industrial gases and welding supplies in the Mid-Atlantic,  recently announced a significant leadership transition as Jim Earlbeck, the company's 2nd generation leader, passes the torch to his daughter, Allison Earlbeck. The transition comes as part of a well-planned succession strategy that ensures continuity and a seamless shift in leadership.

Jim Earlbeck has been instrumental in shaping the success of the company after taking over from his father, Al Earlbeck, in 1977. Jim established a strong reputation for building the company's technical capabilities while still focusing on founder Al Earlbeck's creed that "a distributor should know more about welding than their customers do and has the responsibility to recommend only what is honestly best for their customers to use." Over his distinguished career, Jim has dedicated himself to mentoring his team and fostering lasting relationships with customers through providing technical expertise and a customer-first approach. Under his guidance, Earlbeck Gases has grown into a trusted partner for businesses across various industries.

Allison Earlbeck, who has been an integral part of the company for over a decade, brings a wealth of experience, qualifications, and a deep commitment to the values that have defined Earlbeck Gases. Her extensive knowledge of the industry, coupled with her unwavering dedication to supporting manufacturing in the US, makes her the perfect successor to lead the company into its next chapter.

"Allison has been an invaluable asset to Earlbeck Gases, working closely with our team, customers, and suppliers for many years," said Jim Earlbeck. "Her passion, expertise, and commitment to our core values make her the ideal choice to lead the company into the future."

Under Allison's leadership, Earlbeck Gases will continue its unwavering commitment to their customer base. Her vision for the company is rooted in the belief that it is Earlbeck Gases' sole purpose to support our customers through bringing them leading products in gases, welding & cutting technology, access to technical support and training, and above all else- dependable customer service.

On Saturday, June 3rd, Construction Angels Charity hosted a 5k Crusher Run at the Texas Quarry in Timonium, MD. This event was held to raise funds in honor of the six construction workers that were tragically killed on Interstate 695 in Baltimore. This was a devastating event for all involved and our hearts go out their families. Earlbeck Gases & Technology is honored to be a sponsor of this run. Additionally, we are so proud of our staff, Tyler Smith and Julia Brown, for their participation!

PurityPlus is a nationwide partnership of select independent specialty gas companies, unified under one brand, that guarantees certified-quality product and unparalleled local service. 

Earlbeck Gases has joined the PurityPlus program to ensure certified quality to the end users of our products. All PurityPlus specialty gases are produced in accordance with stringent quality control requirements, and audited to verify that all standards are being met.

PurityPlus is the largest, most experienced partnership of independent specialty gas companies producing for, and distributing locally to, end users in pharmaceutical and life sciences, food and beverage services, environmental, research and university labs, power and utility companies, and more.

CERTIFIED QUALITY All PurityPlus specialty gases are produced in one of our independently audited lab facilities. Each lab has been thoroughly inspected, certified and documented to be compliant with FDA, OSHA, EPA and other requirements by AsteRisk, a reputable, independent U.S. certification company. We remove any doubt in product quality so you can focus on getting the job done right.

LOCAL CUSTOMER SERVICE PurityPlus is available exclusively through independent, local companies. That means you get individualized service, personal attention and years of experience from someone you know. No waiting, no red tape, no headaches, no problem.

Learn more about PurityPlus Gases.

Earlbeck Gases & Technologies Welder Training Trailer is coming to Carroll County on September 15th and September 18th through the Carroll County Business/Employment Resource Center!

The four hour Earlbeck Welding Basics course will be provided at 224 N. Center Street in Westminster within the fully self-contained, 40-foot trailer holding eight welding booths, inverter welding machines, cylinder gases, ventilation, heat, and a 70KW generator. Training will provide introductory welder instruction including weld safety, welding equipment set up, basic welding and operation of MIG, TIG and Stick equipment.
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Students who successfully complete the Welding Basics course may be eligible for further training in an eight-week Fundamentals of Welding course, beginning September 27th from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Friday. Individuals interested in the training should call BERC at 410-386-2820 to sign up before August 27th. Space is limited!
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Businesses interested in hiring welding trainees should contact Business Consultant Scott Singleton at 410-386-2521 or ssingleton@carrollcountymd.org

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) and Earlbeck Gases and Technologies (Earlbeck) have formalized their longtime training partnership with a memorandum of understanding today to provide students with the training and certification credentials needed to meet the expanding welder workforce opportunities.

"Through this partnership, CSM and Earlbeck will provide education, training, certification and business solutions in welding to the Southern Maryland region. “This type of public-private partnership is valuable for our local employers to ensure we are preparing a skilled workforce that is trained and work-ready to meet the needs of businesses today. This will make our students more employable and ready to work from day one,” said CSM President Dr. Maureen Murphy.

Advancements in materials, processes and equipment make modern welding an increasingly high-tech skill. With an anticipated shortage of about 400,000 welders by 2024 as reported by the American Welding Society, job prospects are good for welders trained in the latest technologies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “many employers prefer to hire workers who have been through training or credentialing programs.”

“For several decades, Maryland based welding and manufacturing companies have relied on Earlbeck to provide quality welder training, welder certification and technical expertise.” said Earlbeck’s Vice President of Engineering Andrew Hess. “This training will not only provide job-ready training for new students but also upskill those currently employed, and supporting local businesses with their expanding workforce needs.”

“We are particularly excited as this initiative provides a seamless pathway with highly regarded industry recognition for our students, and this coupled with highly effective industry connections will support students in obtaining jobs,” said Interim Vice President of Continuing Education and Workforce Development Ellen Flowers-Fields.

Another benefit to the Center for Trades and Energy Training Welding Program powered by the Earlbeck Technical Center is that this partnership establishes an AWS Accredited Test Facility (ATF) within CSM’s existing welding space. This program enables a welder who receives an ATF certification to take their credentials to any employer without having to recertify, as well as list them in the AWS National Registry of Certified Welders.

According to CSM’s Executive Director of Workforce Development Kelly Winters, the welding programs offered at the college’s Center for Trades and Energy at the Regional Hughesville Campus were developed several years ago using Earlbeck guidelines.

“Earlbeck is considered a respected industry leader, and even before we formalized this partnership with Earlbeck today we had worked with them over the years to provide curriculum that meets the changing industry needs,” Winters said. The agreement ensures continuous curriculum updating to support students and instructor training and credentialing of CSM faculty.

Hess told those gathered at the signing about the partnership and “magic” that happens between business and education that produces valuable employees.

“Our philosophy is we teach students how to weld, you (the business) teach them your craft whether it is sheet metal, aerospace welding or structural steel. We can provide them with those certifications they need to work at your facility,” Hess said. “That allows us to put together a quick turn-around program that produces quality employees.”

The signing was followed by a tour of the Center for Trades and Energy and CSM’s welding lab. Photos of the event are posted at https://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/earlbeckmou.

About Earlbeck
Recipient of the 2017 American Welding Society and WEMCO “Excellence in Welding Award” in the educational facility category, Earlbeck provides world-class programs, so that their students are job ready at the end of their training. For information about Earlbeck, visit www.earlbeck.com.
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About College of Southern Maryland
The College of Southern Maryland’s Center for Energy and Training provides direct access to specialized training in career fields that have substantial growth potential, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing and construction. CSM offers three tracks to become a certified welder. Located at the Regional Hughesville Campus, the welding lab is fitted with 20 welding booths.
For information about the center, visit https://www.csmd.edu/about/locations/regional-campus/center-for-trades-and-energy-training/. Course registration begins in January. Visit https://www.csmd.edu/programs-courses/non-credit/career-development/construction-and-skilled-trades/Welding for information.

We're 100 years old! Yes- we do look good for our age, right?

​Earlbeck Gases & Technologies is so proud to announce that we are celebrating our 100 year anniversary. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who has helped us reach this milestone.

Earlbeck Gases & Technologies dates back to 1919, when it when it was formed as the T.A. Canty Company, a wholesale welding products distributorship. It has been owned and operated by the Earlbeck family since 1952. 

Though time has changed many aspects of our business, and expanded our offerings, the core of our business remains the same. Al Earlbeck's creed has been the foundation for our continued success and it still holds true today. 

This philosophy will continue to guide our service for years to come, as we transition to our next generation of leadership. We are committed to remaining an independent family owned business so that we can best serve our customers and employees.

​To our customers: We are grateful for the opportunity you've given us to serve you. As our 1956 mailer best said, "Our customer is not the interruption of our work, they are the purpose of it. We are not doing them a favor by serving them, they are doing us a favor by giving us the opportunity to do so." Thank you for your business.

To our employees: Thank you for being part of our history. Congratulations on achieving this anniversary with us and your commitment to this company that will continue to bring us new milestones. The hours and effort you put into helping this company grow and keeping our customers satisfied does not go unnoticed.

Happy 100 years, Earlbeck Gases & Technologies! May the next 100 be as fun and exciting as the first. 

On July 17, 2018, the Earlbeck Technical Center was evaluated by an American Welding Society representative in order to have our Accredited Test Facility status renewed. Each ATF undergoes an audit every 3 years to determine that the quality system is effectively implemented and maintained. Here's what the AWS auditors had to say...

Congrats to the Earlbeck Technical Center staff! To learn more about Welder Certification or to schedule an ATF test, please visit our Weld Testing page.