PRINCESS ANNE — While site work was taking place Process Integration Inc. hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking Sept. 16 for its new 20,000 sq. ft. facility in the Princess Anne Industrial Park.

Founded 28 years ago and for the last 10 years operating in West Ocean City, it’s been a leader in custom equipment and systems to weigh, label and provide inventory and material handling capabilities for the poultry and other industries.

It also provides conveyors, industrial computers, and is a data integrator so specialized hardware can communicate and run effectively.

The new space will allow for an expansion into the field of robotics. Owner and principal application engineer Scott Wade said during the height of coronavirus pandemic companies experienced not only workforce issues but workspace concerns with employees in close proximity to one another.

By partnering with Kawasaki, Process Integration will offer its customers automated palletizing and case packing equipment. COVID-19 "gave us the final shove to go to robotics," Mr. Wade said, and "this will carry us for the next 28 years."

Mr. Wade said he looked into purchasing the former Bowmar Millwork building on Park Drive but said he got into a bidding war with Millennium Microwave which expanded out of its Fruitland location. He was encouraged to look at the land across the street.

In September 2020 Process Integration purchased three lots on the corner of Park Drive and Progress Lane, and in June after an endorsement by the planning commission the Town Commissioners approved the use.

The building is designed by architect Fred Horn and the Whayland Company is the general contractor. Construction is expected to be completed by May 2022 and the site is large enough for an 18,000 sq. ft. addition. In anticipation of construction, materials were purchased and/or ordered so the building could be built without interruption.

There were a dozen employees in attendance during the groundbreaking and the move to Princess Anne could add 10 or more. Mr. Wade is interested in building a partnership with UMES and Somerset County Technical High School — a place he toured after a chamber of commerce luncheon.

Danny Thompson, executive director of the Somerset County Economic Development Commission, said he won’t lure businesses away from neighboring counties but will work with them when they realize the advantages of being in Somerset County.

"They outgrew" Worcester County, Mr. Thompson said, and it was business that drove Process Integration to relocate. "We’re excited that they’re here."

Town Commissioner President Lionel Frederick welcomed the company to town, saying the Princess Anne "is always open for business." "This is not just a successful day for Somerset County and State of Maryland but also a great day for the Town of Princess Anne," calling this "a great asset to our town."

Scott Wade, his father and company founder Mike Wade, led the groundbreaking. They pointed out their ties to Somerset County go to the Mt. Vernon area and the summers they spent on the Wicomico River. Also of note is Scott Wade’s wife Allison, whose grandfather is Jim Hart — a manager of the former Carvel Hall in Crisfield. Up until a few years ago in retirement he was in the trophy and plaque business and maker of the keepsake Crisfield "Keys to the City" which are a crab and oyster knife.