You may not think of advanced manufacturing when you think our region – that’s just because we are the Southeast’s best kept secret. From electrical components to packaging materials, precision parts to forest products, we are building what’s new and what’s next—driven by innovation, talent and investment.
In the first half of 2025 alone, our region announced projects totaling more than 800 new jobs and more than $1.12 billion in capital investment. It’s clear, businesses are taking notice.
We’re not just growing capacity—we’re building smarter. Our region is investing in workforce, innovation and infrastructure to ensure long-term success for advanced manufacturers.
Manufacturing Employees
15,000+
Manufacturing Industry Employers
930+
Advanced Manufacturing Awards Annually
1,100+
Talent is the backbone of manufacturing, and the region’s pipeline is skilled, available, and cost-effective. From welders and machinists to technicians and team leads, our region is training and retaining the people who power your production line. Our talent pipelines, your future workforce, are fed by:
And we don’t just train—we retain. Competitive wages, low cost of living and strong employer engagement mean your investment in talent stays put.
With three commercial airports, three deepwater ports, multiple rail lines and immediate access to I-10, our region moves materials and finished goods quickly and affordably. From 2018 to 2025, more than $329 million in Triumph Gulf Coast funds have supported infrastructure improvements—from expanded utility capacity to upgraded industrial sites and transportation corridors. Add to that:
We’ve built the foundation—so you can build what’s next.
Northwest Florida is a premier manufacturing R&D corridor driven by a powerhouse network of research assets. The Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) and UWF’s SEA3D Lab lead advancements in robotics and additive manufacturing, while FSU’s Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS) and High-Performance Materials Institute (HPMI) pioneer high-efficiency energy and next-generation composites. Together, these institutions provide a complete ecosystem for aerospace, defense, and maritime industries to innovate from molecular material design to autonomous factory systems. Read more.
AUS Manufacturing Company is a full-service machining and fabrication facility with capabilities in CNC machining both in milling and turning. AUS specializes in Power Generation needs with a customer base of Power Utility Plants across the United States and overseas. They also provide made custom Made in the USA parts for customers in aerospace, defense, automotive and other industries.
Born out of a love of the water, BOTE develops nationally acclaimed paddle boards that support its mission of “Stand Apart through industry-shaping innovation, fresh ideas and simplicity to create a product that defines a lifestyle.”
Cape Horn is a family-owned and operated business steeped in tradition. Thirty years of refinement and innovation and a no-nonsense approach to offshore fishing has made Cape Horn the preeminent fishing boat company in Florida.
Central Moloney, Inc. is an ISO 9001-certified company manufacturing distribution transformers and transformer components. Since 1949, CMI has been delivering quality products on time with professional service and reliability every step of the way. CMI offers a wide variety of single-phase and three-phase distribution transformers including, overheads, pad mounts and submersibles. And for 40+ years, CMI has led the industry with innovative products to improve the quality and reliability of electrical power equipment.
Enviva is a company with a passion to develop clean energy fuel sources, which they accomplish through their production of wood pellets. The Jackson County mill has a capacity of 700,000 metric tons per year and manufactures wood pellet fuel with a mix of untreated raw wood, waste wood, and residuals.
Formed in 1987, Fort Walton Machining provides highly technical, zero-defects precision machining, delivered on time to its customers’ complete satisfaction. Employing approximately 200 employees, Fort Walton Machining is a woman-owned business that offers precision machining, custom machining, CNC machining, and precision CNC machining. As a recognized leader in the manufacturing and assembly of custom designed, precision-machined parts, Fort Walton Machining plays an extensive role in our region’s economy.
Established in 1983, Glasstream Powerboats, Inc. has a strong dealer network in the US and internationally. The company is a proven world leader in designing and creating advanced fuel-efficient center console boats with the dual inverted stepped hull. This unique low-drag design increases operational efficiency and stability.
Micro Systems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is an AS9100 Rev. C and ISO 9001:2008 certified company. It is a world leader in high performance Air, Land, and Sea Surface vehicle control. It offers a broad range of products including Unmanned Vehicle Control Systems, Autopilots and Mission Computers, Radar Tracking and Command Data Link Transponders, Scoring Systems, Custom Test Equipment, and Flight Termination Systems.
On-Point Defense Technologies, LLC, is a veteran-owned, small business that supports the Department of Defense and Defense Companies by designing, developing, integrating, and testing commercial and defense products. On-Point Defense Technologies, LLC (OPDT) is a full-spectrum design, manufacturing, prototyping, and systems integration firm. It mitigates customer portfolio risks via upgrading, repurposing, and sustaining legacy weapon system technology — reducing cost and schedule while enhancing warfighter capabilities!
Since 1946, PALL has pushed the limits of science and technology to solve the most complex filtration, separation, and purification challenges. Drawing on their filtration, separation, and purification expertise, PALL collaborates with customers to solve their most complex challenges. From safeguarding health and protecting critical assets to improving quality and minimizing emissions and waste.
Since 1977, the PATTI family has been producing award-winning ships. The company has built Ferries, Quarters Barges, Galley Barges, Research Vessels, Clam Vessels, Long-liners, Dinner Vessels, Trawlers, Anchor Tenders, Drift Collectors, Floating Machine Shops and River Towboats.
Scandy-White Boats is a custom boat manufacturer specializing in aluminum fabrication. The company also builds custom parts for automotive and recreational uses.
Southwire's Crestview facility is is America's leading manufacturer of nylon cable ties. Located in Crestview, Florida, their state-of-the-art facility operates 24/7/365. It boasts the most advanced production processes in the U.S. They offer an extensive line of cable ties in a variety of lengths, tensile strengths, and colors, plus accessories such as mounting pads and cable clamps. Specialty products include EZ-Off™ ties, releasable ties, custom-printed ties, and HVAC duct straps. All cable ties use virgin nylon 6/6 to guarantee superior quality and are UL Listed, and Mil-Spec approved. It maintains a full inventory of all cable ties for Just-in-Time delivery from one of their four new stocking locations to their national distributor network.
Founded in 2002, TPR Systems, Inc specializes in stainless steel machining in Milton, FL. TPR Systems, Inc focuses on precision machining, manufacturing, and repair of turbine and stator parts.
Vertex Aerospace is a vertically integrated, one-stop shop for parts fabrication through end-item aerostructures, aircraft maintenance, and modifications. Vertex Aerospace offers its customers great value, high quality, and superb schedule performance.
Florida’s Great Northwest is here to enhance Northwest Florida’s competitive position through industry diversification and quality job growth. Whether you’re a company executive, site selector, or Northwest Floridian, contact us to learn how we can work together.
