FloridaMakes

FloridaMakes FloridaMakes is a service created BY manufacturers, FOR manufacturers, to increase the competitive ability and profitability of Florida manufacturers.

FloridaMakes is a nonprofit that works with individual manufacturing companies, to deliver company-centric service with bottom-line results, designed to:

- help you expand your market opportunities,
- adopt best practices, advanced technologies and training, and
- make the best use of existing public and private state and national resources available to enhance and further your company's growth

. We are part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP). We operate in partnership with Florida's Regional Manufacturers Associations, the State of Florida and NIST MEP. We're your resource to help identify and advance growth opportunities and cost savings for your company. Contact us to connect with your local FloridaMakes Business Advisor.

Florida’s manufacturing footprint is growing.Over the past decade, the number of manufacturing establishments in Florida...
06/03/2026

Florida’s manufacturing footprint is growing.

Over the past decade, the number of manufacturing establishments in Florida grew from 19,253 in 2014 to 27,224 in 2024.

That growth reflects a sector that is expanding across communities, regions, and industries. It also creates a growing need for skilled talent, stronger supply chains, technology adoption, and practical support for manufacturers.

FloridaMakes works with manufacturers across the state to help identify challenges, connect resources, and support solutions that strengthen Florida’s manufacturing economy.

Florida manufacturing is growing. Our work is to help manufacturers grow stronger.

Florida manufacturers: hurricane season is here.Now is the time to review your business continuity plan, supply chain ri...
06/02/2026

Florida manufacturers: hurricane season is here.

Now is the time to review your business continuity plan, supply chain risks, workforce readiness, and recovery resources.

Disruption can move quickly. Preparation gives your team a clearer path to keep operating, protect your people, and recover faster.

FloridaMakes has disaster readiness resources designed specifically for manufacturers, including:
• Business continuity risk assessment
• Disaster readiness tools
• Supply chain disruption planning
• Cybersecurity assessments
• Workforce cross-training and resiliency support
• FloridaCommerce Business Damage Assessment Survey
• 2026 Hurricane Prep Checklist for Florida Manufacturers

A strong plan should not wait until a storm is on the radar.

Review the resources and download the checklist: https://www.floridamakes.com/service-offerings/disaster-resources

Missed our AI webinar for manufacturers? The recording is now available.This session is a practical starting point for m...
05/29/2026

Missed our AI webinar for manufacturers? The recording is now available.

This session is a practical starting point for manufacturers exploring how AI can help improve efficiency, reduce manual work, support quality documentation, and identify workflows that are ready for improvement.

Watch the full FloridaMakes webinar, AI Practical Solutions for Manufacturers, here: https://youtu.be/Ijcigs9U8bs

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.From all ...
05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

From all of us at FloridaMakes, we extend our gratitude to those who gave their lives in defense of our nation.

04/29/2026

Meet LeAnna Ritchie.
LeAnna joined Ameritech Die & Mold Inc as an apprentice Quality Control Technician. In a short time, she took over the Safety department, achieved OSHA compliance, and became one of the company's most valuable team members.

Aerospace & Defense Manager Chuck Laymon put it simply: "She is a star employee and a true blessing to Ameritech."

If you're a Florida manufacturer struggling to find skilled talent, apprenticeship is a proven solution, and right now, the Pathway to Career Opportunity Grant can cover the cost of getting started.

Build talent. Reduce turnover. Strengthen your team from within.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.floridamakes.com/service-offerings/workforce-development-mfg/apprenticeships

04/27/2026

During National Apprenticeship Week, we’re recognizing individuals who are building their careers through hands-on experience and making a real impact along the way.

Today, we’re highlighting Larry Keys from Bausch + Lomb.

Larry has become a go-to team member on the floor, helping train new employees, supporting multiple shifts, and stepping in wherever needed to keep operations moving. His strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and commitment to his team make a difference every day.

Stories like Larry’s show how apprenticeship programs create real opportunities for individuals while helping manufacturers build stronger teams.

This is one of several Apprentice of the Year stories we’ll be sharing this week.

Take a moment to watch his story.

Did you know Florida’s manufacturing roots date back to the 1700s?What started as an economy built on agriculture and ra...
04/24/2026

Did you know Florida’s manufacturing roots date back to the 1700s?

What started as an economy built on agriculture and raw materials has evolved into a diverse manufacturing sector spanning aerospace, semiconductors, medical devices, and advanced materials.

Today, Florida manufacturing generates more than $77 billion annually and supports over 400,000 jobs across the state.

That transformation didn’t happen overnight. It has been shaped by population growth, infrastructure investment, and a shift toward high-tech industries.

For manufacturers, that evolution continues. The focus now is on building the workforce, capabilities, and supply chains needed to support the next phase of growth.

Read more in this article via Industry Insights, written by Laura Ross.: https://www.thomasnet.com/insights/florida-manufacturing/

Photo credit: The timber dock at the Putnam Lumber Company in Shamrock, Florida in 1929. State Archives of Florida

This is what workforce development looks like in action.Patrick’s journey from intern to full-time employee at AAA Engin...
04/22/2026

This is what workforce development looks like in action.

Patrick’s journey from intern to full-time employee at AAA Engineering & Test Lab shows how powerful it can be to connect students directly with real manufacturing environments.

This is how we are working to address workforce challenges across Florida by helping talent find opportunities with the companies that need them.

Through partnerships with FLATE, the University of Florida, and industry, we’re building a stronger, more connected manufacturing workforce across the state.

Read more:
https://www.floridamakes.com/blogs/mariely-velez/2026/04/16/advancing-floridas-semiconductor-workforce-through

We’re at South Broward High School for the What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? 2026 South Florida Student Video Awards.S...
04/16/2026

We’re at South Broward High School for the What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? 2026 South Florida Student Video Awards.

Students, educators, and industry partners are coming together to celebrate the creativity and effort behind this year’s submissions.

These videos highlight how the next generation is exploring manufacturing careers across Florida.

Looking forward to seeing which team takes home the top honor.

Manufacturing in Florida continues to gain momentum—and innovation is happening across the state.A recent Orlando Busine...
04/02/2026

Manufacturing in Florida continues to gain momentum—and innovation is happening across the state.

A recent Orlando Business Journal article highlights the strength of Central Florida’s manufacturing sector, featuring insights from FloridaMakes CEO Kevin Carr on the importance of productivity in driving competitiveness.

The article also spotlights companies like @.decimal, developing patient-specific devices for cancer treatment—an example of the impact manufacturing has across industries.

Read the full article: https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2026/04/02/central-florida-manufacturing-industry-growth.html?utm_source=st&utm_medium=en&utm_campaign=WCS&utm_content=OR&ana=e_OR_W&j=45050817&senddate=2026-04-03

Address

201 East Pine Street , Suite 735
Orlando, FL
32801

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14074507206

Website

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