FloridaMakes has announced the recipients of the 2025 Florida Manufacturer Employer of Choice Awards. The awards recognize manufacturers in Florida that have demonstrated strong workplace practices and support for employee growth and retention. The winners will be formally recognized at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit on October 22, 2025, in Orlando.
The awardees are divided into three categories based on company size. In the large manufacturer category, Medtronic (Jacksonville), Bausch + Lomb (Tampa), Sun Hydraulics (Sarasota), and Nautique Boat Company (Orlando) were honored. Medium manufacturers recognized include 247 Manufacturing (Fort Lauderdale area), MtronPTI (Orlando), and Jupiter Bach (Pensacola). Among small manufacturers, EZ Automation Systems, LLC (Jacksonville), VGM Holdings, LLC (South Florida), and Ecological Laboratories, Inc. (Cape Coral) received the distinction.
The Employer of Choice program is an online assessment provided at no cost by FloridaMakes. It evaluates companies on 39 human-capital metrics across six pillars: Recruitment & Hiring, Upskilling & Career Pathways, Benefits, Financial Wellness, Employee Support & Environment, and Employee Engagement. The program offers a 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 award recipient receives an analytics report with benchmarks, insights, and recommendations for improving workforce practices.
More information about the Employer of Choice program can be found at www.FloridaMakes.com/eoc.
FloridaMakes is a public-private partnership focused on strengthening Florida’s manufacturing economy by providing technical assistance and advice to help manufacturers grow. It serves as the official representative of the MEP National Network and NIST MEP in Florida.
