Congratulations to the Baltimore Sun writers who teamed up to report on "Made in Baltimore" (Jan. 2). Together they provided readers with an update on some of the area's best known small manufacturing companies. The Baltimore region is Maryland's manufacturing's center with nearly 95 percent of the companies in the small- to medium-sized range (although Montgomery County has the 3rd largest number of manufacturing companies in the state).

The companies in the article are proof that next generation manufacturing is alive in Maryland. These companies, and others like them, have visionary leadership, new technology, highly skilled workers, good quality products and leaders that pay extreme attention to customer needs. They represent manufacturers who offer good paying jobs with benefits. Thank you for sharing with readers the story of some of Baltimore's best brands representing home town authenticity.

Mike Galiazzo, Sparks

The writer is president of the Regional Manufacturing Institute.