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, which is scheduled for October 22, 2025, in Orlando.
The winners are grouped into three categories: large, medium, and small manufacturers. Large manufacturer honorees include Medtronic (Jacksonville), Bausch + Lomb (Tampa), Sun Hydraulics (Sarasota), and Nautique Boat Company (Orlando). Medium manufacturers recognized are 247 Manufacturing (Fort Lauderdale area), MtronPTI (Orlando), and Jupiter Bach (Pensacola). Small manufacturer awardees 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 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 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 company that receives recognition is provided with a detailed analytics report containing benchmarks as well as recommendations for improving workforce practices.
FloridaMakes operates as a public-private partnership focused on advancing manufacturing within the state by providing advice and technical assistance to help businesses grow profitably.
For more information about the Employer of Choice program visit www.FloridaMakes.com/eoc.
