Posted: June 09, 2025
Crawfordville, FL – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis joined the Wakulla Economic Development Council (EDC) and partners to announce Point Blank Enterprises’ plans to create 300 new jobs in the county’s growing industrial employment center - Opportunity Park where Wakulla County will construct a new 118,000 square foot manufacturing facility for lease by the company. This is the largest investment in Opportunity Park and a significant investment using public and private dollars in Wakulla County to attract a target industry in the manufacturing sector.
“The expansion of Point Blank Enterprises to Wakulla County is result of ongoing commitment to infrastructure improvements and economic opportunity across Florida, including in our rural communities,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We’re focused on making strategic investments that help the hard-working families of our great state achieve the American Dream.”
Point Blank Enterprises is a manufacturing company based in South Florida, with multiple global locations, employing approximately 5,000 people. They custom design and produce body armor for law enforcement and the nation’s war fighters, an industry highly regarded by Wakulla citizens. The 300 new jobs cover general manufacturing, research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences, and order fulfillment for merchant wholesalers. The company will pay an average annual wage of $52,900 in addition to $8,300 in employee benefits. The new Wakulla location will generate $3.5 million annually in local, state, and federal taxes to be invested back into the community.
“Governor DeSantis has consistently and steadfastly remained committed to bringing real, lasting economic prosperity to rural Floridians and Florida’s rural communities,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “This investment is the direct result of the dedication, collaboration, and vision of incredible partners, Florida’s Great Northwest, Opportunity Florida, the Wakulla Economic Development Council, Triumph Gulf Coast, and Wakulla County who worked tirelessly to bring Point Blank Enterprises to Opportunity Park—Point Blank Enterprises is renowned industry wide as a manufacturer specializing in body armor for law enforcement and military personnel, protecting those who serve diligently to protect us.”
Earlier this year, Wakulla County received $13.5 million in Triumph Gulf Coast funding and approximately $8 million in FloridaCommerce grants to support this opportunity known as Project Safety during the site search phase led by Florida’s Great Northwest. These funds will be used by the County to purchase property in Opportunity Park and construct a 118,000 square foot facility. The facility will be owned by the county and leased to Point Blank Enterprises to carry out operations necessary to efficiently serve expanding markets.
"This partnership with Point Blank Enterprises marks a transformative milestone for Wakulla County," said John Shuff, President of the Wakulla Economic Development Council. "We are thrilled to welcome 300 new jobs and applaud the County, State, and Triumph Gulf Coast investments in this state-of-the-art facility. This manufacturing facility not only strengthens and diversifies our local economy but also underscores our commitment to supporting clean industries that make a difference in the lives of our citizens, and the citizens of our region.”
Point Blank Enterprises’ Crawfordville location will be a final assembly, order fulfillment and R&D facility – leveraging 20 acres of the 240 acre Opportunity Park site which completed Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program in 2018, existing road and utilities infrastructure, a broad talent pipeline and regional economic development partnerships. These new to Florida jobs will generate $38 million in earnings resulting in an additional 213 indirect and induced jobs for total earnings of $46.4 million circulating through the economy.
"We are incredibly excited to establish our new facility in Opportunity Park and to become a part of the Wakulla County community," said Daniel Gaston, CEO of Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. "This new location represents a significant investment in innovation and collaboration bringing us closer to markets in the Southeast US. By partnering with the local workforce and organizations like FSU’s High Performance Materials Institute (HPMI) and Wakulla School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, we aim to not only deliver cutting-edge protective solutions but also contribute to the growth and prosperity of the region.”
"This marks an extraordinary chapter for Wakulla County," said Commissioner Quincee Messersmith, Wakulla Board of County Commissioners. "Point Blank Enterprises’ decision to establish its facility here is a testament to the strength and potential of our community. The creation of 300 high-quality jobs will not only bolster our local economy but will also provide new opportunities for our residents. We eagerly welcome this partnership and look forward to the innovation and progress it will inspire.”
"Point Blank Enterprises’ Crawfordville location will become a vital pipeline for students who have gained skills and certifications through institutions like War Eagle Technical Academy, allowing them to step into high-wage jobs locally," said Rick Myhre, Wakulla County Superintendent of Schools. "Good-paying jobs strengthen families and create thriving communities for generations to come.”
"This project perfectly illustrates how strategic partnerships fuel meaningful progress for our region," said Jennifer Conoley, President & CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest. "By combining resources, fostering collaboration, and setting a vision among the partners in the economic development ecosystem, our communities are better positioned to succeed. Thank you to Point Blank Enterprises for your investment in Wakulla County and Northwest Florida.”
“Connecting education with industry opens doors for students to pursue rewarding careers in advanced technologies while addressing workforce demands,” said Nicole Gislason, Chair of FGNW’s Board of Directors and Executive Director of the University of West Florida Haas Center. “With a $500,000 contribution from the Industry Resilience and Diversification Fund (IRDF) managed by UWF on behalf of the State of Florida to support industrial development, we are proud to allocate funds to companies that are investing in the region’s continued financial growth.”
"The establishment of Point Blank Enterprises' facility in Wakulla County represents a profound milestone for our community and close to a decade of planning across a variety of partners,” said Wakulla County Commissioner Ralph Thomas. “This endeavor not only brings high-quality jobs to our region but also strengthens our commitment to innovation and economic development. Wakulla County is proud to play a pivotal role in fostering opportunities that will benefit our residents for generations to come.”
"This new manufacturing facility in Wakulla County represents a transformative leap forward, showcasing the significant upgrades to the county’s infrastructure which were driven by affordable workforce housing and the growth of our commercial and industrial sectors," said David Edwards, Wakulla County Administrator. "By successfully leveraging $200 million in state and federal grants, we have fast-tracked these improvements, enhancing Wakulla County’s attractiveness as a prime location for businesses and economic development.”
"We’re proud to welcome Point Blank Enterprises to Wakulla County, whose new location was made possible in part by the Site Readiness Program for Opportunity Park,” said Marc Hoenstine, Managing Director for Duke Energy Florida. “This partnership will create valuable jobs, boost the local community and strengthen the foundation for growth and opportunity in Wakulla County.”
"This partnership is an outstanding example of how Triumph Gulf Coast works to catalyze economic growth and workforce development through targeted investments,” said Leslie Weiss Triumph Gulf Coast Board Treasurer. “We are thrilled to support this transformative endeavor and its promise of a brighter future for the Wakulla County citizens.”
"The decision to invest in Opportunity Park represents a defining moment in leveraging our region’s resources and infrastructure to attract world-class enterprises like Point Blank Enterprises, said Worth McArthur, President of NG Wade Investment Company. “This project exemplifies how strategic investment can drive economic development while nurturing local talent and innovation. We look forward to seeing its impact on Wakulla County.”
"The establishment of Point Blank Enterprises' facility in Wakulla County is a remarkable opportunity to align workforce development with industry needs," said Shelly Bell, Vice President for Workforce Development at Tallahassee State College. "This partnership empowers local talent by connecting individuals with high-wage, skill-based careers and fostering educational programs that prepare them for success in a rapidly evolving market. We are proud to collaborate in building a robust economic future for the region.”
Point Blank Enterprises, Inc. (PBE) is a global leader in high-performance protective solutions, serving the U.S. Military, law enforcement, and international agencies. Known for its advanced body armor systems and innovative technologies, PBE's offerings include ballistic protection, surveillance equipment, and survivability solutions for personnel and vehicles. With state-of-the-art facilities in Florida, the company is dedicated to superior quality, comfort, and cutting-edge advancements that ensure safety in challenging environments.
The Wakulla County Economic Development Council (WCEDC) is dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents in Wakulla County, Florida. Through strategic partnerships, targeted investments, and a commitment to innovation, the WCEDC works to attract world-class enterprises, support workforce development, and promote the region as a hub for business and community advancement. By aligning local resources with industry needs, the WCEDC plays a pivotal role in creating high-quality job opportunities, empowering local talent, and driving long-term economic prosperity. Focused on collaboration and forward-thinking initiatives, the WCEDC is committed to ensuring a vibrant future for Wakulla County and its residents.
Florida’s Great Northwest is the regional economic development organization for the Florida Panhandle. The organization was created to promote Northwest Florida for economic growth and diversification, advocate for economic development issues that affect the region, and collaborate to improve regional competitiveness. The organization accomplishes this in partnership with the state and local economic development organizations, rural regional economic development organization, utility partners, private sector businesses, local government, higher education institutions, workforce boards, and community leaders.
Contact: The Moore Agency, (850) 418-1126, kendrap@themooreagency.com
