FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2025
TEN MANUFACTURERS NAMED 2025 FLORIDA MANUFACTURER EMPLOYER OF CHOICE
Award recognizes manufacturers who rank among the top places to work based on statewide workforce excellence benchmarks
ORLANDO, FL — FloridaMakes today announced the winners of the 2025 Florida Manufacturer Employer of Choice (EOC) Awards, recognizing manufacturers across the state that are building outstanding workplaces where employees can grow, thrive, and stay. Honorees will be formally recognized at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit on October 22, 2025, in Orlando.
2025 Florida Manufacturer Employer of Choice Award Honorees
Large Manufacturers
- Medtronic (Jacksonville)
- Bausch + Lomb (Tampa)
- Sun Hydraulics (Sarasota)
- Nautique Boat Company (Orlando)
Medium Manufacturers
- 247 Manufacturing (Fort Lauderdale area)
- Mtron (Orlando)
- Jupiter Bach (Pensacola)
Small Manufacturers
- EZ Automation Systems, LLC (Jacksonville)
- VGM Holdings, LLC (Ft. Myers)
- Ecological Laboratories, Inc. (Cape Coral)
The Florida Manufacturer Employer of Choice program is a “no-cost" online assessment powered by FloridaMakes, that evaluates companies on 39 human-capital metrics across six pillars, Recruitment & Hiring, Upskilling & Career Pathways, Benefits, Financial Wellness, Employee Support & Environment, and Employee Engagement, providing an objective, evidence-based benchmark for job quality and workplace practices.
“The manufacturers recognized here in Central Florida are a testament to the power of investing in people,” said Candy Cole, Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida. “These companies understand that creating a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and equipped to grow is key to long-term success. Their commitment strengthens not only their own operations but the entire Central Florida manufacturing community.”
“FloridaMakes is proud to support the Florida Manufacturing Employer of Choice program,” said Kevin Carr, Chief Executive Officer at FloridaMakes. “By recognizing these outstanding companies, we highlight the essential role a strong workplace culture plays in helping manufacturers attract and retain top talent, while driving competitiveness across the state.”
Each recognized company receives a comprehensive analytics report with benchmarks, insights, and recommendations for strengthening their workforce practices.
For more information about the Employer of Choice program, visit www.FloridaMakes.com/eoc.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Zoraida Velasco
Executive Vice President
(407) 430-7714
zoraida.velasco@floridamakes.com
###
About FloridaMakes
FloridaMakes is a public-private partnership dedicated to strengthening and advancing Florida’s manufacturing economy. Its goal is to deliver objective, unbiased advice and technical assistance to help manufacturers grow and become more profitable. The FloridaMakes team of manufacturing experts serves as trusted advisors, helping manufacturers navigate the public and private resources available to support their success. FloridaMakes is the official representative of the MEP National Network and NIST MEP in the state of Florida. For more information, visit FloridaMakes.com.
About the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit
The MakeMore Manufacturing Summit is Florida’s premier annual convening of manufacturing leaders, workforce partners, and economic development stakeholders. The summit serves as a platform for statewide collaboration on talent development, technology innovation, supply chain strategies, and policy initiatives that drive the competitiveness of Florida’s manufacturing sector. The summit is hosted by FloridaMakes in partnership with key industry organizations and state agencies. Floridamakemore.com
#PressRelease