Manufacturing in Polk County

Manufacturing is the process of changing raw or processed materials into products people can use. This career combines imagination and skills with innovative technologies to make improvements to products and the world. As manufacturing is so diverse, there are nearly unlimited opportunities for people of all interests, technical skills,  and education levels to build a challenging and rewarding career in this field.  A September 2023 press release by Florida Commerce stated that the state’s manufacturing employment had reached 422,800, establishing Florida as tenth in the nation for manufacturing employment. Additionally, Florida’s manufacturing gross domestic product (GDP) increased from $43.5 billion in 2014, to $73 billion in 2022, a 67.8% growth rate in just nine years.

• • Polk County is replete with a network of active advanced manufacturing companies. There are more than 440 manufacturers of all sizes and types:
  • Large (i.e., greater than 1000 employees): Publix, Mosaic, Lakeland Electric, and Progress Energy.
  • Medium (i.e., between 100 and 1000 employees): Coca-Cola, Florida’s Natural Growers, Pepperidge Farm, Citrosuco, and Cellynne.
  • Small (i.e., less than 100 employees): QMI, Treat USA, FSTI, Polyglass USA, and Duratek.

Polk County companies manufacture a broad array of materials, including food products, chemicals, paper, and building supplies. Manufacturers of leading-edge technologies and products have been in Central Florida for years, continuously improving their processes and products to remain globally competitive. With Polk County’s logistics and distribution advantages, skilled workforce, and history of innovation, advanced manufacturing careers are expected to continue expanding and contributing to the state’s economic boon.