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The Jacksonville region is ending 2023 in record fashion. Fueled by 18 projects announced and 2,500 jobs created, Northeast Florida has received $2.1 billion in capital investment during the year — this more than quadruples the private capital investments from 2022.

“The world continues to invest in the Jacksonville region,” said Aundra Wallace, president of JAXUSA Partnership. “These achievements underscore the region’s appeal as one of the most desirable business destinations globally.”

Jacksonville saw growth across a variety of industries in virtually every county of the region. Highlights from the year include:

• Sweden-based Medius, a leading provider of accounts payable (AP) automation, opened its U.S. headquarters, relocating from New York City.
• Agri-tech leader Plant Agricultural Systems (PLANT-AS) from Fort Lauderdale announced its planned investment of $750 million in the development of advanced production facilities in Baker County.
• Saint-Gobain North America is planning a $235 million investment to expand its gypsum manufacturing facility in Putnam County.
• Canada-based IKO Industries decided to invest $270 million for a new multi-plant manufacturing campus in Clay County.
• Spanish-based Cosentino Group is establishing its first U.S. manufacturing facility in West Jacksonville at the Cecil Megasite.
• BAE Systems broke ground on a modern shiplift and land-level repair complex at the company’s Jacksonville shipyard, investing $200 million.
• Danone North America will put up to $65 million in a new bottle production line at the company’s Jacksonville facility.

These project wins are amplified by the announcement of the University of Florida’s new graduate campus in downtown Jacksonville — the campus will offer programs in medicine, business and engineering that will directly support the talent needs of companies in Northeast Florida.

“As much as we’re proud of what was accomplished in 2023, we’re even more excited about 2024 and beyond,” added Wallace. “The Jacksonville region has as much momentum as any place in the country in terms of business growth and investment. We continue to attract interest from all over the world because of our unique combination of infrastructure, business climate, talent and quality of life.  We have accomplished a lot, but we still have a long way to go to fully achieve our vision for the region.”