FloridaMakes has announced the recipients of the 2025 Florida Manufacturer Employer of Choice Awards. The awards recognize manufacturers across Florida that have created workplaces where employees are able to develop and remain with the company. The winners will be formally recognized at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, scheduled for October 22, 2025, in Orlando.
The awardees are divided into three categories based on company size. In the large manufacturer category, the honorees are Medtronic (Jacksonville), Bausch + Lomb (Tampa), Sun Hydraulics (Sarasota), and Nautique Boat Company (Orlando). For medium manufacturers, the winners are 247 Manufacturing (Fort Lauderdale area), MtronPTI (Orlando), and Jupiter Bach (Pensacola). The small manufacturer honorees are EZ Automation Systems, LLC (Jacksonville), VGM Holdings, LLC (South Florida), and Ecological Laboratories, Inc. (Cape Coral).
The Florida Manufacturer Employer of Choice program is a free online assessment provided by FloridaMakes. It evaluates companies on 39 human-capital metrics across six areas: recruitment and hiring, upskilling and career pathways, benefits, financial wellness, employee support and environment, and employee engagement. The program provides an objective benchmark for job quality and workplace practices.
Candy Cole, Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida, stated, “The manufacturers recognized here in Central Florida are a testament to the power of investing in people. 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.”
Kevin Carr, Chief Executive Officer at FloridaMakes, said, “FloridaMakes is proud to support the Florida Manufacturing Employer of Choice program. 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 company recognized through the program receives a detailed analytics report with benchmarks, insights, and recommendations for improving workforce practices. More information about the Employer of Choice program is available at www.FloridaMakes.com/eoc.
FloridaMakes is a public-private partnership focused on supporting and advancing manufacturing in Florida. The organization offers advice and technical assistance to help manufacturers grow and improve profitability. FloridaMakes serves as the state’s official representative of the MEP National Network and NIST MEP.
