SALE OF the Black & Decker Corp. factory and distribution center outside Hampstead in Carroll County might not seem like good news at first glance. It is.

Few of the 600 jobs will be lost; Towson-based B&D; continues most of its operations there. The real estate partnership buying the property plans to develop the open 160 acres to attract new businesses -- and create more jobs.

Black & Decker is leasing back half the 800,000-square-foot facility that was built more than 45 years ago, freeing the other half for renovation for new tenants by the owner-developer. The Fortune 500 power-tools maker didn't want to take on industrial development of the property on Route 30.

Warehouse operations are being shifted to South Carolina. Customer service, product packaging and light manufacturing will continue at Hampstead.

Also in Hampstead, Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Inc. reported strong profits and that it is expanding its retail apparel chain and catalog marketing. Importantly, there's no longer talk of moving the corporate headquarters out of Carroll.

Good news also came this month from Eldersburg, where London Fog Industries Inc. got a new chief, taking over from a pair of corporate turnaround specialists who helped revive the faltering raincoat company.

After four years of losses and staggering debt, London Fog last year earned $156 million. That resurgence signaled the way for William Dragon Jr. to become the outerwear manufacturer's new chief executive officer, with plans to expand marketing of the well-known brand. Eldersburg is the headquarters and distribution center for the firm, which employs about 350 people.

Even as Carroll County makes efforts to attract more industry, the healthy performance of these nationally known companies affirms their importance and commitment to the area.

Pub Date: 3/19/99