The best in Florida's manufacturing and distribution industry to be recognized

TALLAHASSEE, FL. - The 13th Annual Manufacturers Summit and Marketplace is being held on November 15-17, 2016 in Gainesville, Florida to acknowledge the progressive achievements in Florida's manufacturing industry. As the climax of the event, the Manufacturers Association of Florida will recognize and honor Florida's top manufacturing and distribution companies.

Throughout late spring, dozens of nominations were accepted for distinguished manufacturers and distributors across the state of Florida. A team of fourteen judges, selected for their intimate knowledge of the industry and track records of successful ventures, evaluated each nominee on leadership, strategic planning, customer and market focus, measurement, analysis and knowledge management, workforce focus, and operation focus. At the conclusion of the initial evaluation, twelve companies were selected as finalists in four distinct categories.

The finalists chosen by category

Small Manufacturer (1-75 Employees):
Data Graphics, Inc. of Mount Dora
Fracture, Inc. of Gainesville
Trilogy Laboratories, LLC of Fort Myers

Medium Manufacturer (75-200 Employees):
American Elite Molding of Crestview
KRS Global Biotechnology of Boca Raton
UTC - Aerospace Systems Worldwide Repair of Miramar

Large Manufacturer (200+ Employees):
Harris Corporation of Palm Bay
Sikorsky Aircraft Florida Assembly & Flight Operations of Jupiter
Vac-Con, Inc. of Green Cove Springs

Distributor/Logistics/Supplier:
C.H. Robinson North American Surface Transportation of Tampa
City Furniture of Tamarac
Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Consumer & Logistics Services of Jacksonville

"These twelve finalists represent not only the strength and agility of the industry, but an unprecedented level of merit which will drive Florida forward in the coming years. With the advantages and opportunities present in today's market, we are proud of these companies for their leadership and influence within their industries," said Nancy Stephens, Executive Director, Manufacturers Association of Florida. "The MAF membership is anxiously awaiting the annual announcement of winners from this prestigious selection of finalists which truly represents a superior level of professional integrity."

Those companies that are both MAF members and finalists will also be granted MAF's Seal of Excellence for 2016. The annual awards ceremony will take place during the President's Dinner on November 16 in Gainesville, Florida. Event tickets may be purchased at www.MAFMFG.com. ###