Governor Wes Moore joined Liatris, an advanced materials company specializing in thermal insulation, to celebrate the grand opening of its expanded pilot manufacturing facility in Rockville, Md. The project is set to generate more than $20 million in economic activity over the next three years, while creating 15 direct jobs and more than 100 indirect positions across the region.

“Liatris is redefining what it means to build efficiently, affordably, and sustainably,” said Gov. Moore. “This expansion represents not just an investment in one company, but in Maryland’s broader innovation ecosystem. When you invest in innovation, you invest in growth.”

Headquartered at Rockville’s TwinLabs complex, Liatris is increasing its footprint by adding 4,000 square feet of lab space to its existing 5,000-square-foot headquarters. The expansion will allow the company to produce its first commercial-scale insulation products, with pilot production targeted for 2026. Among its upcoming innovations are the first non-combustible R-5/inch insulation board and the R-10/inch “super-insulation” mat — the highest-performance building insulation currently in development.

The project received support from an $800,000 state grant through the Build Our Future Program, part of the governor’s Innovation Economy Infrastructure Act of 2023. Additional state and local contributions bring the total public investment to more than $1 million, enabling Liatris to grow its operations locally.

State and county leaders emphasized both the economic and environmental benefits of the expansion. “On top of the economic impact and job creation, the company is advancing products that align with Maryland’s push for net-zero emissions,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich noted that Liatris has already hired 16 employees and is poised to add more as it transitions from R&D to scaled manufacturing.

Local officials echoed their support, highlighting Liatris’ role in strengthening the I-270 technology corridor and the state’s green economy. Rockville Mayor Monique Ashton praised the company’s decision to grow locally, noting its contribution to addressing climate change and building a sustainable future.

Liatris CEO Frank Yang expressed gratitude for the state and county’s support, calling Rockville an ideal location to continue the company’s commercialization journey. “The comprehensive support we’ve received made it an easy decision to expand here,” Yang said.

Elected leaders and economic development officials celebrated the ribbon cutting as a milestone for Maryland’s clean tech sector, underscoring how partnerships between government and business are driving both economic growth and climate solutions.