Montgomery County’s Diversity Continues to Attract International Companies

Montgomery County’s Diversity Continues to Attract International Companies

Located steps from the U.S. capital, Montgomery County, Md., is a top destination that thousands of businesses across all industries call home. However, one distinguishing feature that makes Montgomery County unique and attractive to companies from all over the world, is its international and diverse community. 

Imran Jaferey, CEO of Vandstrom, a Montgomery County-based Danish life sciences company working to harness proteins through the application of high-performance membranes feels the county’s proximity to two major international airports—Dulles International and Baltimore Airport—makes it extremely easy for his highly diverse employees to travel back home to almost every continent, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.  

Not only is the proximity to international airports important, but as Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich recently said: “Our community is a safe and welcoming place for businesses,” and other international companies in the area agree. 

The diversity of Montgomery County was an important factor in Vandstrom choosing Montgomery County as a home base. “The county itself is so diverse. The variety of cultural options you have here is beyond than what you can get anywhere else,” said Imran, “There is a community for everyone.”  

The many cultural organizations that are available nearby help support international companies setting up shop in the area. Ngene Biotech, a Korean life sciences company working for GMP grade cell production for cell therapies, was able to connect with the Korean-American Professional Association in Life Sciences and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology.  

According to Min-Joon Han, COO and Head of Clinical Research at Ngene, these organizations not only introduced him to talented Korean scientists in the area, but the community members were helpful in sharing information on setting up a company here. In fact, ties between Korea and Montgomery County keep growing: Daejon, the county’s sister city, recently opened up its U.S. Global Business Center in Rockville, further expanding its economic partnership with the county.  

With four out of ten of the most diverse cities in the nation, including Germantown, Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, and Rockville, the county’s diversity and business ecosystem play a major role in not only attracting international companies to the area, but helping their employees feel at home. 

Image courtesy of Montgomery County Government