Frequently Asked Questions

Where is GDRS located?

GDRS currently has four locations in Maryland and one in Pennsylvania, with our primary manufacuturing and engineering facilities in Westminster. We are conveniently located 30 miles from Baltimore, Maryland. Our new Westminster manufacturing facility opened in 2006, adding 150 new jobs to Carroll County. 

How many employees work at GDRS?

We currently have nearly 500 full and part-time employees. Our employee population is steadily increasing, and we expect to double our staff in five years.

What are GDRS' work hours?

Our core hours are from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. GDRS employees enjoy flexible work hours based on an 80-hours-in-9-day work week. This means that during a bi-weekly period, employees work 9-hour days on Monday-Thursday, an 8-hour day on the first Friday, and the plant closes on the second Friday.  

What are housing costs and property taxes in Westminster, Maryland?

Beautiful Westminster combines the quaint simplicity of a small historic town with all the conveniences of a modern city. Visit the Carroll County Office of Economic Development at http://www.carrollbiz.org/html/index.html to learn more. Employees also commute from nearby Maryland and Pennsylvania suburbs.

How good are Carroll County schools? 

Carroll County Public School students have scored higher than the state and national averages on their combined Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and standardized tests. Carroll County also has one of the highest college attendance rates in the state of Maryland.A number of private schools also serve the area.

Visit http://www.carrollbiz.org/html/education.html to learn more.

What about higher education institutions?

Carroll County is home to McDaniel College, a private four-year liberal arts and sciences college founded in 1867 that offers bachelor and graduate study programs, including preparatory programs in engineering and the health professions.

Carroll Community College offers a comprehensive, two-year community college curriculum leading to Associate Degrees and Certificate Programs, and students can earn a bachelor's degree on site from University of Maryland at College Park in some programs.

Is there a hospital in the area?

Carroll Hospital Center is a non-profit, acute care facility offering comprehensive services including inpatient, outpatient, and a state-of-the-art Emergency Department.