FloridaMakes has announced the recipients of the 2025 Florida Manufacturer Employer of Choice Awards. The awards recognize manufacturers in Florida that have demonstrated a commitment to building strong workplaces for their employees. Honorees will be formally recognized at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit, scheduled for October 22, 2025, in Orlando.
The awards are divided into three categories based on company size. Large manufacturer honorees include Medtronic (Jacksonville), Bausch + Lomb (Tampa), Sun Hydraulics (Sarasota), and Nautique Boat Company (Orlando). Medium manufacturer winners are 247 Manufacturing (Fort Lauderdale area), MtronPTI (Orlando), and Jupiter Bach (Pensacola). Small manufacturer honorees are EZ Automation Systems, LLC (Jacksonville), VGM Holdings, LLC (South Florida), and Ecological Laboratories, Inc. (Cape Coral).
The Employer of Choice program is an online assessment developed by FloridaMakes at no cost to participants. It evaluates companies using 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 aims to provide an objective benchmark for job quality and workplace practices.
Candy Cole, Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida, said: “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, stated: “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 award recipient receives a detailed analytics report with benchmarks and recommendations designed to help strengthen workforce practices.
FloridaMakes operates as a public-private partnership focused on supporting and advancing manufacturing in Florida by providing advice and technical assistance. More information about the Employer of Choice program can be found at www.FloridaMakes.com/eoc.
