A recent Wall Street Journal article painted an outdated picture of American manufacturing—gritty, grueling, and unappealing to younger workers. While that portrayal may reflect a narrow slice of the industry, it does not represent the thriving, innovative, and opportunity-rich sector we know here in Tampa Bay.

As the Bay Area Manufacturers Association, we feel it's important to set the record straight.

A Leading Economic Driver in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is home to over 3,500 manufacturers, employing more than 68,000 workers, and contributing significantly to our regional economy. Our manufacturers produce everything from aerospace components and medical devices to electronics and defense systems. These are clean, high-tech, highly-skilled jobs.

Between 2019 and 2023, Florida's manufacturing employment grew by nearly 10%, adding over 36,000 new jobs—many of them right here in the Tampa Bay area.

According to the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, the region's manufacturing sector has experienced significant growth:

Employment Growth: Over the past five years, manufacturing employment in the Tampa MSA grew by 12.2%, adding more than 370 manufacturing businesses between 2018 and 2022.

Statewide Impact: Tampa accounts for 18% of Florida's total manufacturing employment, boasting the second-highest manufacturing employment in the state and ranking 30th nationally.

Diverse Sectors: Key manufacturing sectors in Tampa Bay include aerospace and defense, medical devices and life sciences, electronics and electrical equipment, food and beverage processing, metal fabrication and machinery, plastics and rubber products, and printing and support services.

This diversity in industries reflects a vibrant manufacturing ecosystem that is both resilient and future-oriented.

Strong Wages and Career Advancement

Manufacturing roles in Tampa Bay offer strong starting salaries and clear paths for growth. According to the 2023 Florida Manufacturing Report, the average annual wage for manufacturing workers in the state is $74,647—17% higher than the average wage across all industries statewide.

These are not only good jobs—they're gateway careers into engineering, plant management, quality assurance, and advanced technical operations.

World-Class Educational Pathways Right Here at Home

What makes Tampa Bay's manufacturing future even brighter is our exceptional network of local educational institutions creating direct pathways into these high-paying careers.

University of South Florida: Leading Innovation in Medical Devices

USF's cutting-edge programs are training the next generation of manufacturing engineers and innovators. The university's Medical Engineering Department offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in biomedical engineering, with a focus on medical device design and manufacturing. Through the VirtualMDLab (Virtual Medical Device Laboratory), students get hands-on experience with CNC lathes, milling machines, and 3D manufacturing equipment specifically for medical device production.

This program directly supports Tampa Bay's growing biotech and medical device manufacturing hub, preparing students for careers with companies designing everything from artificial organs to advanced prosthetics. USF's partnership with the Morsani College of Medicine creates a unique environment where engineering meets healthcare innovation.

Hillsborough Community College: Advanced Manufacturing Excellence

HCC has built one of the most comprehensive manufacturing training programs in Florida. Their Engineering Technology Associate in Science degree is specifically designed for advanced manufacturing careers and includes multiple specialized pathways:

• Advanced Manufacturing Specialization with state-of-the-art robotics labs featuring FANUC industry-standard robots
• Automation Certificate preparing students for PLC programming and production control systems
• Lean Manufacturing Certificate focusing on quality systems and process improvement
• CNC Machinist Certificate for precision manufacturing operations
• Mechatronics Certificate combining mechanical, electrical, and computer systems

HCC's curriculum aligns with the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician certification, ensuring graduates meet industry standards. The program includes partnerships with local manufacturers, providing internships and direct job placement opportunities.

St. Petersburg College: Innovation in Manufacturing Technology

SPC has established itself as a regional leader in manufacturing education through its Collaborative Center for Emerging Technologies—the first of its kind in Florida. This state-of-the-art facility offers:

• Applied Engineering Technology A.S. Degree with hands-on training in additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, and quality measurement
• Biomedical Engineering Technology program with pathways in Medical Device Design and Manufacturing, and Medical Device Networking and Cybersecurity
• SolidWorks Design Center featuring Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment, 3D scanners, and 3D printers
• Certified Production Technician short-term training program recognized by MSSC

SPC's programs are designed in direct partnership with regional manufacturers, ensuring graduates have the exact skills employers need. The college is a charter member of the Manufacturing Institute's "M-List," recognizing excellence in manufacturing education.

Florida Youth Are Opting In, Not Out

The idea that younger generations are avoiding the trades doesn't hold true in Florida.

Florida Trend's recent article, "Trade Shift" (October 29, 2024), profiles students like Matthew Marcusky of Flagler Beach who are choosing welding school and hands-on career training over traditional four-year degrees. His story represents a wider movement across the state.

According to the Florida Department of Education:

CTE Enrollment: Career and technical education (CTE) enrollment grew by 8% in the 2022–2023 school year.

Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships increased by 14%, reaching a record 19,605 participants.

This surge reflects a shift in values: students want careers that are purposeful, practical, and financially smart.

BAMA's Commitment to Workforce and Innovation

At BAMA, we're proud to support the next generation of skilled workers through:

• Partnerships with high schools, colleges, and technical centers
• STEM and robotics education
• Apprenticeships and certification pathways
• Efforts to diversify and modernize the talent pipeline

These programs not only provide talent for employers—they offer life-changing career opportunities for individuals and families.

Clear Pathways from Classroom to Career

The connection between our local educational institutions and manufacturing employers creates unprecedented opportunities:

• Direct Transfer Agreements: Students can start at HCC or SPC and seamlessly transfer to USF's four-year engineering programs
• Industry Certifications: Programs at our local institutions offer nationally recognized certifications that employers specifically seek
• Paid Internships: Local manufacturers partner directly with these colleges to provide hands-on experience and job placement
• Stackable Credentials: Students can earn certificates quickly to enter the workforce, then return to complete associate or bachelor's degrees while working

The Bottom Line

Manufacturing is not a fallback. It's a forward-facing, future-building career. In Tampa Bay, manufacturing is where innovation meets opportunity, and the workforce is as diverse as the products we make.

With world-class educational pathways right in our backyard at USF, HCC, and St. Pete College, students can go from classroom to career in months, not years, while earning industry-leading wages and building skills for the future.

Let's move past outdated narratives. The real story of Florida manufacturing is one of growth, talent, and transformation. There are clear pathways to success starting right here at home.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.bama-fl.org

Sources for Staff Verification:

Original Sources from Document:

• Tampa Bay Economic Development Council – Manufacturing Industry Overview: https://tampabayedc.com/news/manufacturing-industry-overview-2024/
• Tampa Bay Economic Development Council – Manufacturing Services Report: https://tampabayedc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Manufacturing-Services-2024-FINAL.pdf
• Florida Department of Commerce – 2023 Florida Manufacturing Report: https://www.floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/communicationsfiles/2023-florida-manufacturing-report.pdf
• Florida Trend – Trade Shift (Published October 29, 2024): https://www.floridatrend.com/article/41469/trade-shift
• Florida Department of Education – 2022–23 CTE and Apprenticeship Data (Cited in Florida Trend, October 2024)

Additional Verification Sources:

• Florida's growing manufacturing sector helps drive U.S. rebound - Axios Tampa Bay (October 22, 2024): https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2024/10/22/florida-manufacturing-jobs-surge
• Report: Florida manufacturing is booming, rivals tourism | Business Observer (April 15, 2024): https://www.businessobserverfl.com/news/2024/apr/15/florida-manufacturing-booming/
• Tampa Bay Titans: The Major Industries of Greater Tampa Bay - Guide to Greater Tampa Bay (August 21, 2024): https://guidetogreatertampabay.com/2024/08/21/tampa-bay-titans-the-major-industries-of-greater-tampa-bay/

Educational Institution Sources:

• University of South Florida Medical Engineering Department: https://www.usf.edu/engineering/bme/
• USF VirtualMDLab: http://virtualmdlab.eng.usf.edu/
• USF About Medical Engineering: https://www.usf.edu/engineering/bme/about-us/
• USF College of Engineering: https://www.usf.edu/engineering/
• Hillsborough Community College Engineering Technology: https://www.hccfl.edu/academics/subjects/engineering/engineering-technology
• HCC Engineering Programs: https://www.hccfl.edu/academics/subjects/engineering
• HCC Advanced Manufacturing Information: https://etdegree.org/hillsborough-community-college/
• HCC Lean Manufacturing Certificate: https://www.hccfl.edu/academics/subjects/architecture-and-building-trades/lean-manufacturing-ccc
• HCC Automation Certificate: https://www.hccfl.edu/academics/subjects/engineering/automation-ccc
• St. Petersburg College Engineering, Manufacturing, and Building Arts: https://www.spcollege.edu/future-students/degrees-training/engineering-manufacturing-and-building-arts
• SPC Engineering and Manufacturing: https://www.spcollege.edu/future-students/degrees-training/engineering-manufacturing-and-building-arts/engineering-and-manufacturing
• SPC Applied Engineering Technology: https://www.spcollege.edu/future-students/degrees-training/engineering-manufacturing-and-building-arts/engineering-and-manufacturing/applied-engineering-technology-as-degree

Automation has long been a critical component of modern manufacturing operations, and Power Automate is a tool that can help manufacturers take their automation efforts to the next level. With its intuitive interface and powerful capabilities, Power Automate, a cloud-based automation platform from Microsoft, is changing the way manufacturers operate, helping them to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and increase overall productivity.

In this blog, we'll explore three use case scenarios where Power Automate can be used to optimize operations in the manufacturing industry.

From automating workflows to monitoring equipment performance, Power Automate is a powerful tool that can help manufacturers to stay ahead of the competition and meet the demands of today's fast-paced business environment. So, whether you're a seasoned IT professional or just starting to explore the world of automation, this blog will provide you with insights into how Power Automate can help your manufacturing operation reach new heights of efficiency and productivity.

Use Case 1, Workflow Automation:

In the manufacturing industry, repetitive tasks such as data entry and documentation can take up a lot of time and resources. Power Automate can automate these tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more strategic and value-adding activities.

The platform can be used to automate workflows between different systems and applications, reducing the time it takes to complete tasks and improving overall productivity.

Example - Manufacturers can automate the process of updating customer orders in their ERP system and sending purchase orders to suppliers. By integrating Power Automate with the ERP system, the platform can automatically generate purchase orders based on the customer's order and send them to the supplier, reducing the time it takes to complete this task and reducing the risk of errors.

Use Case 2, Equipment Monitoring:

Monitoring the performance of equipment is critical for maintaining efficiency and reducing downtime in the manufacturing industry. Power Automate can automate equipment monitoring processes, allowing manufacturers to quickly identify and address any issues that arise.

Example - Sensors can be attached to equipment to monitor performance and feed data into Power Automate. The platform can then analyze the data in real-time and automatically send alerts to maintenance teams if it detects any issues. This can help to reduce downtime and improve the overall efficiency of the production process.

Use Case 3, Quality Control:

Quality control is critical in the manufacturing industry, and it is essential to ensure that products meet the required standards. Power Automate can automate quality control processes, reducing the time it takes to complete these tasks and improving the accuracy of results.

Example - Manufacturers can use Power Automate to automate the testing and inspection process. The platform can collect data from sensors attached to the equipment and send it to the quality control team for analysis. The team can then use Power Automate to automate the process of documenting the results, reducing the time it takes to complete the task and reducing the risk of errors.

The above are just three examples of how Power Automate can be used to improve efficiency and streamline processes in the manufacturing industry.

By automating repetitive tasks, monitoring equipment performance, and streamlining quality control processes, manufacturers can reduce downtime, improve productivity, and increase overall efficiency.

Conclusion:

Power Automate is a powerful tool that can help manufacturers to streamline and optimize their operations.

The platform's low-code approach makes it easy for manufacturers to automate their processes, reducing the time it takes to complete tasks and freeing up employees to focus on more strategic activities.

With Power Automate, manufacturers can improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and increase overall productivity, making it an essential tool for any modern manufacturing operation.

The gift giving season is just around the corner! This season comes with the chaos of holiday shopping for loved ones, coworkers, and neighbors. Add onto that, shipping delays and supply chain issues, and the anticipated gifting season could easily turn into a headache.

What if we told you that all you needed to do to find the perfect gifts this season was to shop local? Believe it or not, these local manufacturers throughout our region are loaded with extraordinary gift ideas for everyone on your list.

Listed below you will find a few of our top picks for locally made gifts, a little gift-spiration if you will.

Buying Local Gifts

We encourage everyone to shop local this holiday season. Patronizing the businesses in your city means your dollar makes an impact on your community.

This guide will help you find local manufacturers here in the Bay Area and beyond.

1. PGT Industries - Home project still needing to be completed? Find all your window, blinds, and door replacements here! Absolutely beautiful and energy efficient.
2. Patio Products MFG., LLC - Patio Products to fit your casual furniture needs!
3. Stitch Logo, Inc. - Custom Gift Embroidery would be a great personalized gift for that special someone on your list. Many styles and brand names. Along with a free logo setup!
4. Monin Gourmet Flavors - Make sure to have these AMAZING flavors and syrups at your holiday gathering!
5. Dixie Belle Paint Company - Many gift bundle options available, as well as new tools for that special artist on your list!

Written by:

Ary Santiago
Marketing Specialist - Katpro

www.katprotech.com

Tampa has a long and proud history of manufacturing. The city's first factory, a cigar-rolling operation, was established in 1856. Since then, the manufacturing sector has played a vital role in the city's economy. Today, Tampa is home to a diverse range of manufacturers, from small family-owned businesses to large corporations. In recognition of Manufacturing Month, let's take a look at Tampa's manufacturing history.

Tampa's First Factory

Tampa's first factory was a cigar rolling operation established in 1856 by Vicente Martinez Ybor. Ybor had initially wanted to build his factory in Key West, but the American Civil War put an end to those plans. Instead, he chose Tampa as the site for his factory due to its close proximity to Cuba, which was then the world's leading producer of cigars. Ybor City, the neighborhood where the factory was located, soon became known as the "Cigar Capital of the World."

Modern manufacturing in Tampa

Today, Tampa is home to a diverse range of manufacturers, including companies that produce electronics, aerospace components, and medical devices. The city's proximity to major ports and highways makes it an ideal location for manufacturers that need to ship their products around the world. And with a skilled workforce and a business-friendly environment, Tampa is an attractive destination for companies looking to set up new manufacturing operations. As the global economy continues to evolve, Tampa's manufacturing sector is poised for continued growth.

The Future of manufacturing in Tampa

Tampa's manufacturers are committed to our city's future, investing in cutting-edge technologies and practices that will help them remain competitive in the global marketplace. As we look to the future, we can be confident that Tampa's manufacturing sector will continue to be a vital part of our city's success

Tampa has a long and proud history when it comes to manufacturing. The city's strategic location and skilled workforce have made it a magnet for businesses in a wide range of industries over the years. From cigars and phosphate mining to food and beverages and high-tech, aerospace, Tampa truly is a manufacturing powerhouse.

Written by:

Ary Santiago
Marketing Specialist - Katpro

www.katprotech.com

Are you looking for ways to save money on your business expenses? If so, cloud computing may be the answer. Cloud computing can help you reduce your IT costs while still providing the benefits of a robust IT infrastructure. Here are a few ways that cloud computing can help your business save money.

• Reduce or eliminate the need for on-site servers and storage:

As businesses increasingly move to Cloud-based solutions, the need for on-site servers and storage is diminishing. Cloud-based applications are more reliable and easier to manage than on-premises solutions, and they offer a number of other benefits as well. For example, Cloud-based solutions can be accessed from anywhere with an Internet connection, making it easy for employees to work remotely.

• Decrease software licensing costs:

Cloud-based software is becoming increasingly popular, as it offers a number of advantages over traditional licensed software. Perhaps the most significant advantage is that it can help to decrease software licensing costs. With cloud-based software, you pay a monthly subscription fee rather than purchasing a license outright. This can save you money in the long run, as you will only be paying for the software that you actually use.

• Avoid capital expenses:

Cloud computing can save you significant amounts of money on hardware and software expenses over time. With cloud computing, you avoid having to make large capital investments in these areas. Cloud computing allows you to pay for only the resources you use, when you use them. This can result in substantial savings compared to traditional on-premises computing models. In addition, cloud computing can help you to optimize your use of resources, further reducing your costs. As a result, moving to the cloud can be a very cost-effective way to manage your IT needs.

• Minimize energy consumption:

Cloud services are often delivered through data centers that use less energy than traditional IT setups. As a result, businesses can save money on their energy bills. In addition, cloud computing can help businesses to reduce their carbon footprints. Data centers that use cloud technologies often have lower carbon emissions than those that rely on traditional IT systems. As more businesses adopt cloud computing, the demand for energy-efficient data centers will increase. This, in turn, could lead to even lower energy consumption and carbon emissions in the future.

Cloud computing has a lot to offer businesses of all sizes and it can be especially helpful when you’re looking for ways to save money. By reducing or eliminating the need for on-site servers and storage, decreasing software licensing costs, avoiding capital expenses, and minimizing energy consumption, cloud solutions can help your business cut its IT budget while still keeping its data safe and secure.

Written by:

 Ary Santiago

When most people think about disaster preparedness, they think of things like food, water and emergency supplies. While all of those items are important, they're not the only things you need to worry about in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. If your company is like most manufacturers, you have a lot of critical equipment and supplies that could be damaged or destroyed in a disaster. That's why it's important to have a plan for protecting your business during an emergency. In this blog post, we'll discuss some tips for preparing your manufacturing company for disasters big and small.

For manufacturing companies, disaster preparedness is essential to maintain continuity of operations and protect employees, customers, and business assets.

 There are many steps that manufacturing companies can take to prepare for disasters, including:

• -          Establishing a disaster response team
• Manufacturers are increasingly establishing disaster response teams to ensure continued operations in the event of an emergency. The teams are typically responsible for conducting and developing plans and procedures and coordinating with local emergency response agencies. Manufacturers that have not established disaster response teams should do so as soon as possible to ensure their ability to remain operational in the event of an emergency.
• -          Conducting Risk Assessments
• Manufacturers conducting risk assessments for disaster preparedness can help ensure that their facilities and operations are able to withstand the impact of a disaster and minimize the disruption to their business. Manufacturers should assess the risks to their facilities and operations from all potential hazards, including natural disasters. By conducting risk assessments and developing disaster preparedness plans, manufacturers can help protect their employees, their customers, and their businesses.
• -          Protecting all valuable Data
• Manufacturers rely on cloud and IT services to back up valuable data for disaster preparedness. In the event of a power outage, natural disaster, or other unforeseen event, cloud and IT services provide an essential backup for manufacturers' data. By storing data in the cloud, manufacturers can rest assured that their data will be safe and accessible in the event of a disaster. Additionally, Katpro Technologies cloud and IT services provide manufacturers with the ability to quickly and easily share data with other manufacturers in the case of a supply chain disruption.
• In today's global market, manufacturers cannot afford to be without access to their data, services provide an essential layer of protection.

•  If you're a manufacturing company, disaster preparedness should be high on your list of priorities. Taking the time to plan and prepare now can help you avoid costly disruption. Disasters can take many forms, from natural disasters like hurricanes and floods to man-made disasters like fires or chemical spills. Disaster preparedness is an important part of any business, but it is especially critical for manufacturing businesses. 

Three Benefits to a workplace apprenticeship program

The Tampa Bay region has the second largest manufacturing employment in the state, but Tampa Bay manufacturers are increasingly worried about finding and holding on to quality, skilled workers.  How can local companies find the workforce they need to continue to thrive? One answer may be to consider sponsoring employees in an apprenticeship program. Apprenticeships pair on-the-job training with virtual or in-classroom instruction.

There are many reasons an apprenticeship program may be the answer.  Here are the top three.

1.      Profitability

Once established, apprenticeship programs reduce turnover rates, increase productivity, lower the cost of recruitment and increase safety. The return on investment is clear. For every dollar, an employer invests in apprenticeships, they receive an average of $1.50 in return. 

Companies can also receive tax credits and employee tuition benefits through workforce agencies  such as CareerSource  and Veterans Florida.  “This program was created by FloridaMakes working with manufacturers to create an online on-demand and cost effective  program for entry level employees  who are motivated to  learn and be more productive employees..   The FloridaMakes team handles all the administrative requirements and provides a turnkey inhouse training program saving manufacturers thousands of  dollars less than most traditional  apprentice programs says Tina Berger, FloridaMakes;  Director of Talent Development.

2. Employee retention

Many employers worry that once the employee is trained, they will take the knowledge and look for employment elsewhere. That is not the case, apprentices are shown to be loyal to the companies that invest in them. According to the Department of Labor, 91% of apprentices that complete an apprenticeship are still employed nine months later.

Not only does the apprentice benefit from the program but the morale of all employees has been shown to improve from being exposed to a learning environment at work. This creates a supportive atmosphere.  Krystle Wilson tells about the benefits of the Industrial Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship video

 Employees feel more valued when companies are showing they are willing to invest in them.  A team who feels valued and challenged has greater satisfaction toward their jobs which will in turn enhance motivation and increase stability within the company.

3.      Ability to create a customized training program.

Through apprenticeship, businesses have the opportunity to train workers to meet their specific standards. Customized training programs ensure that employees are gaining the right skills for the specific business or industry. Companies see a more complete knowledge transfer with the on-the-job learning from an assigned mentor combined with related technical instruction. According to Roy Sweatman, who runs an apprenticeship program at Southern Manufacturing Technologies in Tampa, “This new Industrial Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship is a great step forward for manufacturers and for employees or potential employees in the manufacturing field. It is short enough to not feel like it will never end. It is flexible enough to be used in almost any manufacturing business. The online related training solves the issue of having to get the apprentices all to a school at the same time. And, it is a great stepping stone to bigger and better things in the future.”

To find out more about local apprenticeship programs, contact BAMA Workforce Development Chairman, Roy Sweatman or FloridaMakes Tina Berger. 

IMT specific: https://www.floridamakes.com/what-we-do/workforce-training-development/imt-program.stml

Apprenticeship General info: https://www.floridamakes.com/what-we-do/workforce-training-development/apprenticeships.stml