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Above: A look inside a microelectronics facility at L3Harris in Melbourne, FL, the state's largest manufacturing company with nearly 8,000 employees (Photo courtesy of L3Harris)
Thanks to its strong economy and robust infrastructure, Florida is an attractive destination for many manufacturers. The Sunshine State boasts a diverse economy, and its manufacturing sector is consistently adding jobs thanks to growth in industries like aerospace and electronics. This article will explore the latest facts, statistics, and top companies in Florida's manufacturing sector based on data collected directly from the state's manufacturers by MNI.
According to MNI, compiler and publisher of the industrial data that powers IndustrySelect, Florida is home to 11,656 manufacturing companies employing 465,191 workers.
MNI finds the state boasts a diverse sector with higher-than-average rates of ownership for women and minorities.
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The geographic location of the state is an advantage for exports. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico translates into 38% of manufacturers relying on international distribution. This percentage drops to 29% on a national scale.
Miami-Dade, Orange and Pinellas counties are the top three hubs for manufacturing. These dynamic hubs are the homes of large companies that make Florida manufacturers twice as likely to be publicly traded compared to the national average.
The top industries for Florida manufacturers are:
• Fabricated metal products.
• Electronics and other electric equipment.
• Food and related products.
• Industrial machinery and equipment.
• Printing and publishing.
Orlando ranks as Florida’s largest city based on number of manufacturing jobs, home to 35,131 workers. This is followed by Jacksonville with 32,894 workers and Miami with 31,094.
Other top manufacturing cities in Florida include:
• Tampa: 20,772 jobs
• Melbourne: 18,449 jobs
• Clearwater: 13,014 jobs
• St. Petersburg: 12,147 jobs
MNI reports there are 42,454 executive contacts among Florida's manufacturing companies, including 7,214 presidents, 4,276 owners and partners; 3,829 vice-presidents and 3,792 sales, marketing and purchasing executives.
| Company | Employees | City | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| L3Harris Technologies, Inc. | 7,900 | Melbourne | FL |
| OPKO Health, Inc. | 5,269 | Miami | FL |
| Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles & Fire Control Div. | 5,000 | Orlando | FL |
| L3Harris Technologies, Inc. | 3,590 | Palm Bay | FL |
| Northrop Grumman Corp. | 3,500 | Melbourne | FL |
| PGT Custom Windows+Doors | 3,000 | North Venice | FL |
| Lockheed Martin Global Training & Logistics | 2,800 | Orlando | FL |
| CSX Corp. | 2,500 | Jacksonville | FL |
| Comprehensive Logistics Co., Inc. | 2,400 | Bonita Springs | FL |
| Jabil Inc. | 2,000 | St. Petersburg | FL |
Below, we provide manufacturer data for the 10 largest Florida manufacturers.
1. L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
This defense contractor is one of the top employers in the state. Its Melbourne location provides work for 7,900 people. L3Harris is changing the world of defense with solutions like combat information centers and avionics systems. This business also offers products for commercial air, land and space applications.
2. OPKO Health, Inc.
Located in Miami, this innovative healthcare company has 5,269 employees. It manages a portfolio of products that includes cancer diagnosis solutions and hemophilia treatments. The company stands out thanks to new drug release technologies and other research projects.
3. Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles & Fire Control Div.
Missiles and fire control is a core business area for this major defense contractor. With more than 50 countries supported, Lockheed Martin is a global leader in the defense industry. The Orlando-based manufacturer has 5,000 employees.
4. L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
L3Harris has another location in Palm Bay with 3,590 employees. This facility works on integrated mission systems as well as solutions for the public and commercial space industry.
5. Northrop Grumman Corp.
Northrop Grumman Corp. is another major defense contractor. With 3,500 employees and a facility in Melbourne, this business is currently working on a satellite-based missile warning system, among other projects. It also recently delivered RQ-4B Global Hawk aircraft in Japan and got a contract for data link hardware for the U.S. Navy.
6. Lockheed Martin Global Training & Logistics
Besides delivering commercial training solutions, this Orlando manufacturer offers live and virtual training products for the defense sector. With its 2,800 employees, Lockheed Martin is also a logistics consultant.
7. CSX Corp.
This Jacksonville company has 2,500 employees and is behind the CSX railroad that operates in the Eastern U.S. As a transportation leader, it also offers shipping solutions and rail-to-truck services.
8. Jabil Inc.
Jabil is a manufacturer with a diverse portfolio of products. Solutions range from human-machine interfaces to additive manufacturing. This business creates solutions for the medical industry, the print and publishing sector, the automotive market, and more. Its St. Petersburg location has 2,500 employees.
9. PGT Custom Windows+Doors
Hurricane season is a challenge for Florida residents. The company addresses the challenge with a selection of hurricane-resistant windows and doors. Its products also help with energy consumption. This North Venice company has 2,500 employees.
10. Comprehensive Logistics Co., Inc.
Comprehensive Logistics is a 3PL company that offers transportation and warehouse management services. Its 2,400 employees, based in Bonita Springs, work on projects that include kitting and sub-assembly.
For those looking to do business with manufacturers, IndustrySelect’s database of 460,000 U.S. manufacturers is a top resource for both developing and researching sales leads in the manufacturing sector. An IndustrySelect subscription can put you on a first-name basis with Florida's 12,000 industrial companies and 42,000+ executives. Subscribers can select up to 40 data points on any manufacturing company in the U.S. to help identify or pre-qualify leads. Company profiles also include the contact information for hard-to-find executive decision-makers. Try a free demo today or learn more about the Florida Manufacturing Industry Database.
Editor's note: This article is updated annually to reflect new statistics and trends in Florida's manufacturing sector based on data collected by MNI.
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