Lee & Associates Chesapeake Region brokers lease at 1100 Wicomico Street for company that expects to increase workforce to nearly 300 workers over next several years

Semforex, Inc., a Prince George’s County-based company specializing in the manufacture of protective body wear suitable for the military and police, has announced its intentions to relocate its headquarters to Baltimore City with its 2600 square foot lease at 1100 Wicomico Street. Kate Jordan, Principal and Marley Welsh, Senior Associate with Lee & Associates Chesapeake Region brokered this transaction. The building is owned by Tower Hill Atlantic, LLC. Founded in 2012 by Michael Lamb, a military veteran who served in Armed Forces in Europe, the organization expects to increase its workforce from 10 to 26 employees by year-end, and to more than 300 employees over the next several years.

Semforex designs, manufactures and sells a complete line of protective equipment products and performance apparel for men and women engaged in the law enforcement, military and private security industries. Lamb experienced discomfort while wearing heavy flack vest protective wear during his time serving in the Cold War, and was motivated to invent apparel technology that would blend comfort with safety.

Utilizing Semforex Carrier® technology, the body wear is worn with standard body armor and offers a pliable product that provides maximum comfort and maneuverability to the user. The company supplies helmets, active shooter plates and other protective gear.

“Our search process took us to seven different states as we received many attractive offers to move our corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities,” stated Michael Lamb, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Semforex, Inc. “We were also embraced in Baltimore City and had the opportunity to interact with key leaders and members of the local community. In addition to making important products, our goal is also to make a positive difference. It may be that, in some small way, we can add to the conversation currently underway between law enforcement and the local community. Our goal is to invest our efforts and grow in the City. As we meet our sales, production and hiring goals, we are confident that it will have a dramatic impact and make an important contribution.”

1100 Wicomico Street is an eight-story, 416,000 square foot industrial building that is suited for a wide range of office, flex/office and warehouse uses with drive-in and dock loading capabilities. Offering direct access to Interstates 95 and 395, the structure is situated across the street from Oriole Park at Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium. The project includes an adjacent 240-vehicle parking garage.

“This building represented the perfect match for the real estate needs of Semforex, and places the company in a strategically-located section of the city to recruit qualified employees to grow the company,” explained Kate Jordan of Lee & Associates. “The firm was drawn to the growing number of up and coming, hands-on manufacturing tenants who currently lease at 1100 Wicomico. They felt that the owner would accommodate their expansion needs and saw benefits in the synergy with neighboring tenants. Being in Baltimore City was appealing due to their interest in workforce development.”

Semforex currently partners with Blind Industries Services of Maryland to manufacture its product line. As the company continues to expand, it will add to these operations in-house.

“1100 Wicomico Street is a great place for us to base our business and move forward,” Lamb added. “We have planted our flag in the city and will now turn our focus to rising in the market.”

Semforex expects to take occupancy of the space by early July.

“Semforex’s interest and ability to collaborate with existing tenants enhances the opportunities for all involved and further enhances ownership's goals to spark entrepreneurship, job growth, and product creation in one of Baltimore's iconic industrial structures,” explained Christopher Regan, Principal with Tower Hill Atlantic. “The addition of Michael and Semforex to our growing list of tenants leading the way in smart textiles and products, further solidifies 1100 Wicomico Street as the place for innovation.”

Lee & Associates is a commercial real estate brokerage, management and appraisal services firm. Established in 1979, Lee & Associates has grown its service platform to include offices in the United States and Canada. Lee & Associates provides superior market intelligence in office, industrial, retail, investment and appraisal to meet the specialized needs of our clients. Visit www.leeassociates.com