SEPTEMBER 2024
Southwest Florida BUSINESS TODAY ®
Page 9
BUILT TO LAST
Home to over 2,914 manufacturers employing close to 15,000 workers, manufacturing in Southwest Florida is alive and well. From power boats to cutting-edge medical devices and world-class chocolates, these dynamic businesses create value and jobs within the region. The manufacturing sector continues to attract investments and grow at an accelerated rate. And it shows no sign of slowing down. Source: Econovue.com
AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGES
66,076
$
MANUFACTURING
61,888
$
MANUFACTURING IN SWFL
14,969
The number of employees currently working in SWFL’s manufacturing industry as of 2023. Source: Econovue.com
ALL INDUSTRIES
CAREERS & SALARIES
$109,928
Industrial Production Manager +8.1% YOY*
100K
6.9% Growth 2023 over 2022
WHAT'S BEING MADE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA? • Medical equipment
• Fluid management solutions
• Medical supplies • Wire products
• Machine tool Manufacturing
• Printing and Signage • LED Lighting
• Water & Gas filtration systems
• Lubricants
• Hurricane protection
• Concrete
• Aerospace products
• Landscaping supplies
• Tooling
• Chocolates
• Boat lifts
• Private Label cosmetic manufacturing • Shipping and Containers
• Frozen Foods
• Medical Devices
• Custom stainless steel equipment
• Boats • Railroad equipment • Mining equipment
• 3D/Additive Printing
Yearly Salary (USD)
7.6% Projected Growth by 2031 80K
Machinists +9.8% YOY
60K
$49,442
40K
• Building Supplies windows/doors
Welders +1.4% YOY
200
Sources: FloridaCommerce; Bureau of Workforce Statistics & Economic Research Data supplied
$54,321
$96,764
Industrial Engineers +10% YOY
*YOY: 2023 versus 2022
300
400
500
600
700
800
Number of Employees Graphic and banner art supplied by ConRic PR & Marketing
by: CareerSource SWFL
SRMA
After decade of growth, Florida is a manufacturing state
The word is out…Florida is a manufacturing state! Nine months ago, FloridaCommerce published the first-ever Manufacturing Report making this statement. Florida’s manufacturing GDP has grown nearly 70% over the last 9 years and is now the 10th largest state in the country for manufacturing employment. In SW Florida, the importance of manufacturing to the regional economy is understood. The focus of our county’s EDCs/EDOs on attracting and retaining manufacturers is evidence. The exposure of the industry by publications such as the SWFL Business Today has many taking notice. There are over 1,200 manufacturers in our region, and I believe many more to come. The SRMA’s mission statement is to improve the quality of life in SWFL through the advancement of manufacturing. Our participation in programs such as the FutureMakers’ Good Job Challenge and Lee County’s ARPA Technical Assistance Program, works towards that mission. The GJC has created new training programs to upskill our region’s workforce, resulting in higher-wage career opportunities for our residents. Again, these efforts are getting noticed. Training is the key to future growth. I’m happy to see our school systems applying for grants to help bring Advanced Manufacturing education programs to our high schools and post-secondary schools.
Whether a focus on aerospace, semiconductors or medical manufacturing, this type of training is needed to attract high-tech companies to our area. The trained workforce must be in place for companies to relocate or expand. These companies ROB HARRIS and the high-wage careers they offer will improve the quality of life for many! Lastly, technology adoption and cybersecurity are two areas manufacturers need to keep in the forefront. AI is helping manufacturers become more efficient and obtain faster reaction times in all departments, not just on the production floor. Automating the dirty, dull and dangerous tasks can benefit a manufacturer in many ways. Cybersecurity tends to be thought of as an unwanted expense and not everyone thinks it is necessary. We all hear of data breaches occurring with large corporations, but they are happening at businesses of all sizes. CMMC 2.0 is happening, and companies within the Department of Defense supply chain (at any level) who choose to ignore it, gamble losing purchase orders from their customers. The SRMA is here to assist with any of these topics and more. Sometimes it is a referred connec-
“Training is the key to future growth. I’m happy to see our school systems applying for grants to help bring Advanced Manufacturing education programs to our high schools and post-secondary schools. Whether a focus on aerospace, semiconductors, or medical manufacturing, this type of training is needed to attract high-tech companies to our area. The trained workforce must be in place for companies to relocate or expand.’
tion, other times we bring in the resources manufacturers need to overcome growth and efficiency obstacles. Let us know how we can help. For membership, event, and resource information, please visit www.srma.net or email exec@srma.net. Join the SRMA today! Rob Harris has been serving as the SRMA’s Executive Director since June 2021. The SRMA is a part of the FloridaMakes network. Contact him at rob@srma. net