Couture and High End Fashion in Westminster? Global Manufacturer to Expand Westminster Facilities

A global leader in the manufacturing and distribution of custom, high-end clothing is preparing to expand its operations in Carroll County. The expansion will bring new economic development opportunities, including jobs, to the county.

The Tom James Company plans to open a new Carlisle Etcetera LLC national distribution center in Westminster in addition to expanding the current English American Tailoring facility located on North Cranberry Road in Westminster (across from Random House). 

Carlisle Etcetera LLC and English American Tailoring are both part of the Tom James Company - the world's largest manufacturer and retailer of custom clothing, according to a news release from Gov. Martin O'Malley's office. 

Relocating from New York, Carlisle Etcetera is planning to purchase the former Marada building and establish a facility for women’s apparel, according to a news release. The English American Tailoring Company is planning to retain its current operations and 380 full-time employees in Westminster and expand its custom men’s apparel facility. As part of the new facility and expansion, the companies plan to add an additional 75 employees over the next five years, according to the a news release.

“The continued investment in Maryland and Carroll County by the Tom James Company sends a strong message that we have the kind of highly-skilled workforce, supportive business climate and strategic location that world-class companies need to grow,” Gov. O’Malley said in a statement. “This success has not happened by accident, but because of the strategic choices we're making together to build a strong, growing and resilient economy.”

Dave Roush, president of the Board of Carroll County Commissioners, said a lot of work is put into making Carroll County an attractive place for businesses. 

“This is a great example of why the retention of resident industries is so important,” Roush said in a statement. “In Carroll County we put a great emphasis on nurturing our local companies so they are positioned to grow and expand right here.”

CEO of Carlisle Etcetera said that part of the decision to relocate its national distribution center from Long Island City, New York to Westminster is due to the financial support offered from the state of Maryland and Carroll County. 

“The assistance provided by the State of Maryland and Carroll County Economic Development is helping us to hire and train new employees at the center,” Brubaker said in a statement. “Westminster has been a great place for Tom James to make high-end custom clothes for over 30 years. Our new women’s facility plus the expansion of the Tom James English American factory further anchors Tom James’ commitment to Westminster and the State of Maryland as a great place to do business.”

As part of the project, the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) has approved a $250,000 conditional loan based on job creation and retention and capital expenditure. In addition, Carroll County has approved a $30,000 job training grant to assist in training new employees, according to the Governor's office.  

Headquartered in New York, Carlisle is a high-end fashion company that produces couture dresses, suits, separates, and accessories. It was founded in 1981 and acquired in 2012 by Tom James Company and Royal Spirit Limited of Hong Kong. Founded more than 100 years ago, the English American Tailoring Company manufactures high quality men’s garments.