blueprint for success
With access to an unrivaled distribution network and extensive multimodal infrastructure, manufacturing businesses are poised for success in Polk County.
Manufacturing employs nearly 20,000 people in Polk County and in 2023 generated $3.9 billion in GDP. It’s part of a growing industry: more than 24,000 manufacturers call Florida home, employing over 430,000 workers.
Leading Education Programs
With seven institutions of higher learning, as well as top tier vocational schools and technical colleges, Polk County’s next-generation talent is ever-growing and uniquely trained for success
Polk State College
Polk State College’s Advanced Manufacturing Institute is home to the award-winning Mosaic EIA (Electrical, Instrumentation, and Automation) and Mechanic/Millwright Apprenticeship Programs. From Industrial instrumentation to process control and automation, students graduate with the skills and experience necessary to find success in this thriving industry.
Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Poly offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, providing a comprehensive curriculum grounded in foundational mathematics and physics. The Materials and Advanced Manufacturing concentration focuses on engineering composite materials with unique capabilities that improve safety, efficiency, and versatility. Florida Poly programs focus on tech-enabled manufacturing.
Nucor Builds Steel Micro Mill in Polk County
Nucor Steel, the largest steel company in the U.S., announced its plans to build a 256,000-square-foot micro-mill on approximately 440 acres in Frostproof. Polk County competed with South Carolina for the $240 million project which will employ 250.
Featured Employers
Manufacturing Industry Advocacy
The Manufacturing and Supply Chain Alliance has supported and promoted local manufacturing for over a decade. It works with the Polk Legislative Delegation to influence legislation and helps its members apply for millions of dollars in grants to train employees or upgrade their skills, among other things. It’s just one more resource for local manufacturers to turn to for help in a county that’s ripe for continued growth in the manufacturing sector.
In the News
Polk Manufacturing Sector Gaining Traction, Seeing Growth on MFG Day
October 4, 2024
Assure Infusions’ Advanced Manufacturing Plant Ready to Open in May
February 20, 2024
New Manufacturing Plant Being Built in Lake Wales Florida
November 26, 2023
Strong Talent Pipeline One Reason Advanced Manufacturers are Locating in Polk County
October 29, 2023
Advanced Manufacturing has a Permanent Place in Polk County – Here’s Why
October 24, 2023
Polk County, Florida’s Best Place for Manufacturing
October 28, 2022
Three Polk Colleges Contribute to the Advanced Manufacturing Talent Pipeline
October 27, 2022
Celebrating Growth in Tech-Enabled Manufacturing in Polk County
October 17, 2022
Assure Infusions to Build a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility in Bartow
June 29, 2022
Tech-Enabled Manufacturing Soars in Polk County
February 16, 2022
Educational Institutions Prepare Students for Manufacturing Careers
October 29, 2021
Focus on Manufacturing Shows its Importance
October 6, 2021
