Veteran-Owned Manufacturer Moves to Sussex County, Bringing Jobs and Growth

Patriot Aluminum’s $4.8 Million Investment Marks Economic Win for Seaford Area

SEAFORD, Del. — A veteran-owned manufacturer is bringing jobs, investment, and renewed momentum to Sussex County. Patriot Aluminum, a fencing manufacturer and distributor with clients across the East Coast, has officially relocated from Denton, Maryland, to Seaford, Delaware, with plans to expand its workforce and regional footprint.

The company recently purchased a 45,000-square-foot warehouse on Whitehurst Drive and is investing $4.8 million in equipment, renovations, and infrastructure upgrades. The site will support full-scale production, assembly, and distribution for the company’s metal fencing products.

Patriot Aluminum’s move brings 20 existing jobs to Delaware and is expected to generate an additional 19 full-time positions over the next three years, including skilled trades, administrative staff, and management roles. The expansion underscores a broader trend of businesses choosing Delaware for its streamlined permitting, strong workforce, and business-friendly climate.

“Patriot Aluminum is excited to relocate and be a part of Seaford’s rebirth,” said George Hufnagel, Jr., the company’s controller. “We look forward to a long-standing relationship with the Town of Seaford and Sussex County.”

The relocation was guided in part by John Forrest, a U.S. Air Force veteran and Delaware entrepreneur who acquired Patriot Aluminum in 2022. Forrest also owns Forrest Fence and Gallagher Vinyl Products in Felton, and his decision to consolidate operations closer to home is both strategic and personal.

“Forrest’s investment demonstrates the power of local leadership and long-term vision,” said Bill Pfaff, director of Sussex County Economic Development. “This is a win for Seaford and for all of Sussex County.”

A key partner in facilitating the move was the Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP), the state’s nonprofit public-private economic development agency. After Pfaff introduced company leaders to DPP in 2024, the organization worked closely with Patriot Aluminum to guide the project through site selection, incentives, and expansion planning.

DPP helped the company successfully apply to the Delaware Council on Development Finance, which approved up to $240,750 in performance-based incentives through the Delaware Strategic Fund. That includes a Jobs Performance Grant of up to $96,000 and a Capital Expenditure Grant of up to $144,750, contingent on the company meeting its job creation and investment benchmarks.

“Delaware Prosperity Partnership was instrumental in making this relocation a reality,” Hufnagel said. “Their team brought solutions, speed, and local insight to the table at every stage of the process.”

DPP’s collaborative approach continues to attract private investment and elevate Delaware’s reputation as a state that prioritizes innovation, manufacturing, and economic growth.

“Patriot Aluminum’s move to Seaford is a perfect example of how DPP partners with businesses to turn plans into progress,” said a DPP spokesperson. “We’re proud to support a veteran-owned company that’s contributing to Delaware’s economic vitality.”

For Sussex County and the Milford region, Patriot Aluminum’s arrival reflects a growing confidence in the state’s pro-growth policies and its ability to support manufacturing expansion with speed, support, and strategic partnerships.