Manufacturing

A New Standard in Excellence

From aerodynamic boats to industrial-grade windows, Sarasota and Manatee Counties offer strong opportunities for well-paying careers. More than 900 manufacturing companies operate within the region, employing welders, engineers, machinists and more.

Want to work in precision machining? Innovative companies run from Venice to Bradenton. Interested in being on the cutting-edge of automation? Over 500 advanced manufacturing related businesses are in Manatee County. The industry is also proactive, offering workforce development programs that keep skills current and build adeptness for emerging technologies.

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CareerSource Suncoast

Florida’s west coast abounds with job opportunities from some of the world’s most advanced manufacturing companies, offering meaningful career options to produce innovations that are used across the globe.

Find Jobs in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

900+ Manufacturing companies in Sarasota-Manatee Sarasota County EDC

500+ Advanced manufacturing companies in Manatee County alone Bradenton Area EDC

$59,793 Average salary in Sarasota County Sarasota County EDC

40,233 Advanced manufacturing jobs in Manatee County Bradenton Area EDC

Featured Employers

Tervis Tumbler

Air Products

CAE

RND Automation

King Plastic

Ergotronix

Top Employers
Upskilling
Targeted Education

Top Employers

Build with the Best

With more than 900 manufacturing companies in the Sarasota-Manatee region, Florida’s west coast is well-positioned to hire top talent. Employers like RND Automation have been innovating with customized robotics and packaging machinery for the past 15+ years. In Venice, building materials manufacturer PGT Innovations was recently ranked No. 1 in Forbes’ Best in State Employers list for 2022, boasting a strong employee experience, competitive salaries and potential for career growth.

Upskilling

The Cutting Edge of the Florida Peninsula

Become the sharpest tool in the box through several skill-development programs on Florida’s west coast. Bradenton Area EDC offers many customizable initiatives to address the current needs of employers, while at the state level the Manufacturers Association of Florida can connect you to training for industry certification. The Sarasota-Manatee Manufacturer Association also offers a series of apprenticeships and incumbent worker grants through CareerEdge to grow in-demand skills. Grants from CareerSource Suncoast can help manufacturers hire and grow their workforce.

Targeted Education

At the Precipice of Greatness

Florida’s West Coast is committed to growing the manufacturing industry, with CareerSource Suncoast providing free online training. Earn your certificate in computer-aided design (CAD) from Suncoast Technical College in Sarasota or boost engineering experience at the University of Florida’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering Innovation Station. Manatee Technical College also offers robust career and technical education programs in everything from CNC manufacturing to advanced production technology.

What’s New in Sarasota-Manatee?

Keep up-to-date with news and happenings in Florida. It could change your life – literally.

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Tops in Florida, Sarasota ranks #5 in nation for best places to live

The annual U.S. News and World Report for 2023-24 tabbed Sarasota as the top place to live in the Sunshine State and fifth overall for the United States. With a 6.8 score out of a possible 10, Sarasota trailed only top-ranked Green Bay, Wis. followed by Huntsville, Ala.; Raleigh-Durham, N.C. and Boulder, Colo. Factors added […]

entrepreneurs

Florida is the best place for entrepreneurs

With resources like the SBDC at USF, the Manasota SCORE chapter and CareerSource Suncoast’s CEO Program, the Suncoast is known for birthing new entrepreneurs. A recent survey confirmed that Florida is the best state for entrepreneurship. The Digital Project Manager looked at eight factors before awarding the state of Florida its highest score at 65.12. […]

Sarasota earns Neighborly accolades

Neighbor ranked Sarasota as the No. 4 most neighborly city of 2023. Sarasota was the lone Florida city recognized in the top 25 list, which was determined by factors such as planting roots and embracing community events. “Recognizing America’s ‘Most Neighborly Cities’ is not just a celebratory act, but a call for unity and hope,” […]

Ringling College among top film schools

Ringling College is ranked 20th among the top 25 institutions in the Hollywood Reporter’s rankings of top film schools. The ranking is up three places from last year. “The small class sizes are a draw for the program, which enrolls between 30 and 40 kids a semester,” wrote the Hollywood Reporter. “Even with its small […]

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