Topic: Workforce

Strength Of Jacksonville’s Public/Private Alliance Highlighted In Recent Successes

Posted on April 9, 2024

One of the most important factors to any region’s economic growth is the alignment of government policies and programs with the needs and goals of the business community –this is especially evident in the Jacksonville region like no other place in the United States.

At JAXUSA Partnership’s first quarter luncheon, Mayor Donna Deegan highlighted several key projects aimed at bolstering the advancement of the region:

Jacksonville Aims to be the Small Business Capital of the Southeast

  • An initial $2 million investment in small business programs including micro grants, low interest loans, education programming at the Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida, and film and TV production growth.
  • Significant technology and process investments to streamline the permitting process, making it faster and easier to move projects forward across Jacksonville.

Boosting the Region’s Reputation as a Global Business Destination

Growing The Region’s Talent Base

Improving Infrastructure and Quality of Place

  • A commitment to public infrastructure and transformative projects that make downtown Jacksonville the epicenter for business, education and entertainment in the region – this includes a continuous series of riverfront parks that will make the river accessible to everyone in the city and attract more people to live, work and play here.
  • A record-setting $147 million grant received for five segments of the Emerald Trail, encompassing approximately 30 miles of trails, greenways and parks that encircle the urban core and link at least 14 historic neighborhoods to downtown.
  • The region’s leadership on resilience and sustainability with the presentation of the first city-wide compound flood model in the nation at the Aspen Institute Climate Conference. This cutting-edge model gives leaders the clearest picture of Jacksonville’s flood risk down to the block or street level, even telling us how long and to what extent a road will flood, putting the region in the best position to make informed capital planning and emergency decisions in real time.

All these initiatives were amplified by the announcement of project wins for Northeast Florida totaling $175 million in capital investment and the addition of 500 jobs through the first quarter of 2024.

The Jacksonville region continues to capitalize on emerging opportunities and chart a path towards long-term prosperity. With bold initiatives and a steadfast commitment to inclusive growth, the partnership between government and business in Northeast Florida is laying the groundwork for a vibrant and resilient economic future.

Jacksonville Continues to Pave the Way for Medical Device Manufacturing Growth

Posted on March 25, 2024

Over the years, the Jacksonville region has solidified its reputation as a center for medical innovation. Home to some of the nation’s largest and most progressive health care systems, the region has become a magnet for leading medical device manufacturers seeking an optimal environment for growth and collaboration.

A study by KPMG projected the medical device manufacturing industry to grow at 5% per year, reaching nearly US$800 billion in annual sales globally by 2030. In response to the promising trajectory, several national and global medical device manufacturing companies have strategically chosen Northeast Florida as a destination to continue their advancement of operations:

  • Johnson & Johnson Vision, headquartered in Jacksonville, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the vision of millions by supplying over 2 billion contact lenses annually to people across the globe.
  • Medtronic, a leading medical device company, operates its Ear, Nose and Throat division from the region. Overseeing the entire process from ideation to manufacturing and distribution, Medtronic ENT also hosts more than 150 medical education labs annually, serving as a center of education and training for physicians worldwide.
  • Zimmer Biomet operates its Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) and Thoracic division from the region, overseeing the production of medical devices used to help neuro and thoracic surgeons provide specialized solutions tailored to their patient’s needs.
  • KLS Martin Group, a global supplier of surgical medical devices, has established their North American headquarters in Jacksonville to aid in the development and manufacturing of devices used in almost every surgical procedure.
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific, renowned for its analytical instruments and biotechnology services, strives to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer through research and operations.
  • Treace Medical Concepts, headquartered in Ponte Vedra, focuses on advancing the standard of care for the surgical management of bunion and related midfoot deformities.
  • Healogics, the nation’s leading provider of wound care, partners with more than 600 Wound Care Centers across the nation to treat over 300,000 patients each year. Having created one of the largest wound care databases in the world, the company’s goal is to further advance patient heal rates through evidence-based wound care treatments.

One of the main contributions for each of these organization’s continued growth and success is access to the region’s robust healthcare network. Home to one of only three Mayo Clinics, one of six Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Centers, the UF Proton Therapy Institute and Brooks Rehabilitation, Northeast Florida continues to solidify its standing as a premier destination for medical advancement.

In addition to a strong healthcare network, the Jacksonville region provides unparalleled logistical advantages, earning its title as America’s Logistics Center. With deep-water ports, interconnecting interstates, railroad spurs and an international airport system, the region offers medical device manufacturers global reach and speed to market. This strategic infrastructure not only facilitates efficient transportation of goods and services, but also reinforces Jacksonville as a hub for international trade and commerce, ensuring seamless connectivity to diverse markets worldwide.

As medical device manufacturers continue to innovate and develop new technologies to support physicians and patients worldwide, Northeast Florida is dedicated to providing the proper structures and resources to fuel their growth and success.

Medtronic Continues to Grow the Jacksonville Region as a Life Sciences Hub

Posted on March 5, 2024

With a legacy spanning more than 70 years, Medtronic has consistently paved the way in the healthcare technology industry by creating customized, cutting-edge medical devices focused on alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life. Globally renowned, they have reshaped the treatment of more than 70 complex healthcare conditions, delivering impactful solutions to people across the globe.

Not only does Medtronic boast a rich history in healthcare technology, but its footprint in the Jacksonville region is equally significant. Operating in Northeast Florida for more than 25 years, Medtronic’s Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) headquarters are situated on an expansive 22-acre Jacksonville campus, home to a workforce of more than 660 professionals focused on product innovation and manufacturing. Katie Carpenter, Senior Director of Strategy and Analytics for Medtronic’s ENT division, affirms, “Our Jacksonville campus houses the full spectrum of the medical device innovation cycle, including ideation, research and development, concept and product testing, manufacturing and distribution, commercialization, and training. We also have a state-of-the-art medical education lab that hosts more than 150 medical education labs annually, attracting surgeons from around the world for ongoing education and training.”

A contributor to Medtronic ENT’s enduring success lies in its ability to leverage the abundant talent pool within the Jacksonville region. “Jacksonville has played a pivotal role in our ability to attract both local talent and professionals from afar to join Medtronic,” added Carpenter. “The region’s appealing lifestyle amenities and competitive cost of living serve as strong draws for prospective employees, ensuring that we remain an employer of choice.” Additionally, Medtronic demonstrates its dedication to making a positive impact on the community by developing partnerships with local universities and health systems, further solidifying its reputation as an attractive choice for professionals aiming to make a difference in healthcare. Medtronic remains deeply committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive workforce – both globally and in Jacksonville. Medtronic has achieved 100% ethnically diverse pay equity and gender pay equity within the U.S. Additionally, its U.S. workforce is composed of 40% ethnically diverse employees, and 51% of its global employees are women.

Medtronic’s dedication to the Jacksonville community goes beyond its workforce initiatives, extending to meaningful endeavors that make a difference in people’s lives. Through partnerships with local organizations such as the Pace Center for Girls, Pine Castle, and the Sulzbacher Center, Medtronic actively serves the community. “We have a strong commitment to Jacksonville and strive to provide our employees with opportunities for giving back through volunteering.”

Looking forward, Medtronic reaffirms its long-term commitment to the Jacksonville region: “We are committed to the success of our ENT operations in Jacksonville and will continue to fuel growth in this market.” With Medtronic’s continued investment, Northeast Florida will continue to serve as a leading hub for life sciences in the state of Florida, driving innovation and economic prosperity in the region.

Business Growth is Booming in St. Johns County

Posted on February 26, 2024

As one of the first two Florida counties, St. Johns County is traditionally known for its rich history, tourism assets and high quality of life. Now, its reputation is booming as a global destination for business growth and expansion as well as having a deep and diversified talent base. With a population that’s growing at one of the fastest rates in the United States of more than 300,000, St. Johns County has become a preeminent destination for companies and workers across a wide variety of industries and skill sets.

Anchoring the private sector economy in St. Johns County is Northrup Grumman. One of the leading aerospace companies in the world and the largest private employer in the area, Northrop Grumman has held a presence since 1980 and serviced more than 1,600 aircraft at its St. Augustine facility.  Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, one of the world’s leaders in the engineering and production of wire and cable products for aviation, aerospace, military, space, industrial and medical companies, is also one of the largest employers in the St. Johns County and showcases strength in the space and defense technology sector.

Some of recent advanced manufacturing expansions in St. Johns County include Vermeer Southeast, a global industrial and agricultural equipment manufacturer that is bringing its regional headquarters to the region; Rulon, a leader in wood ceilings and acoustical wall systems; and KeHe, a national foods distributor that further diversifies the industrial landscape.

One of the main competitive advantages of St. Johns County is their focus on education.  The county has regularly been ranked a top primary school system in the state of Florida. At the secondary level, St. Augustine is home to Flagler College, which ranks third in the 2024 edition of Best Regional Colleges in the South. First Coast Technical College is designed to drive technological innovation and aligns with the county’s commitment to staying ahead in the technology services space. St. Johns River State College has multiple locations in the region and offers a wide array of academic tracks.

Most recently, Publix Super Markets announced that it will establish an innovative pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in St. Johns County, assisting with economic growth and approximately 400 new jobs. This facility is expected to be operational in 2026 and will build further synergies in the life sciences sector across the region.

St. Johns County is also home to the global headquarters and production facilities for the PGA TOUR.  With almost 900 employees in the county, the PGA TOUR supports tournament leadership, operations and programming that keep the tour and its talent traveling the world.

As St. Johns County looks to the future, it continues to support business growth and the talent that comes with it while maintaining a strong infrastructure, education system and an unmatched quality of life. The county’s preeminent position in the state and its global reach truly makes it a desired destination for all.

FlexCold Expands the Jacksonville Region’s Cold Storage Footprint

Posted on February 13, 2024

FlexCold has emerged as a leader in the cold storage warehousing and food logistics industry, distinguished by their innovative efforts in revolutionizing and modernizing operational procedures. They serve as a vital link in moving meat, packaged goods, poultry, frozen produce and seafood through the supply chain safely and efficiently for their customers, but ultimately work to connect food to people.

When looking for a location that could help them achieve just that, a unique opportunity arose to purchase land in the Jacksonville region, only three miles away from JAXPORT. “Our business is ultimately centered around people, food production and ports. We needed a location that could serve as the hub of our operations and grow as we grew. Jacksonville provided a perfect combination of what we needed,” said Jeff Manno, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder at FlexCold.

Jacksonville’s connectivity to the globe was only one of the many attracting factors for FlexCold to break ground in the region. “At FlexCold, we are determined to build a culture and environment that empowers people and provides an array of growth opportunities to our employees. The talent pool and labor-focused mindset of this region has been critical to our business because it has allowed us to build that culture and environment with talented employees.”

Given their mission and their critical impact on the world’s food infrastructure, FlexCold has partnered with Feeding Northeast Florida. “Food insecurity is a problem that FlexCold wants to play a part in solving. Our company is so much more than just putting pallets on ships – we are actively trying to minimize the steps to get food to people. Serving our community with our skills and experience is just one way we can give back.”

FlexCold announced their facility’s expansion less than a year after opening their doors in the summer of 2022. Phase Two of FlexCold’s Jacksonville warehouse has been slated for a 2024 opening and will add 170,000 square feet of space to the current facility and push their workforce to 100+ employees. Their continued expansion in Northeast Florida will further facilitate FlexCold’s growth and ability to fuel the world’s food supply chain.

Enstructure & JAXPORT Partner to Expand TalleyRand Marine Terminal in 2025

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The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) Board of Directors approved a 30-year agreement with top U.S. marine terminal and logistics company Enstructure for the lease and development of 79-acres of waterfront property at their Talleyrand Marine Terminal. This lease will begin in 2025 when Southeast Toyota Distributors relocates their operations to Blount Island.

Driven by innovation and investment, JAXPORT serves as an influential force, establishing partnerships that continue to elevate the Northeast Florida’s position in the transportation and logistics industry.

JAXPORT’s strategic location in Southeastern United States serves as a vital link between the nation’s extensive rail and highway networks, making it the intercontinental access point to Florida, the nation’s third-largest state. As Florida’s largest container port and one of the foremost hubs for vehicle transportation, JAXPORT offers unparalleled access to nearly 100 million consumers within the same day.

With two-way ship traffic, harbor depths reaching 47 feet, connections to 17 global shipping lines and the distinction of hosting the world’s first LNG-powered container ship, JAXPORT showcases innovation and progress. The port’s extensive reach across 140 ports in over 70 countries has gained recognition from companies interested in expanding operations and utilizing newer technologies to advance their business.

As part of the expansion, Enstructure will build a minimum of 20,000 square feet of new on-terminal warehousing space at the Talleyrand Marine Terminal — this development will grow JAXPORT’s capacity to handle non-containerized cargo, such as forest products, by 20 percent and draw more business to the area over time.

This new agreement means an increase in JAXPORT’s capacity to service breakbulk and bulk products in the Jacksonville region. “This agreement allows us to build on our cargo diversification, while also supporting the growth of an experienced terminal operator that has contributed so much to the growth of our port,” said JAXPORT CEO Eric Green. “Enstructure is one of our longest standing tenants and we are proud to support their continued success in Jacksonville.”

With companies like Enstructure, the Jacksonville region continues to reinforce its position as America’s Logistics Center. With sizable investments being made on new generation transportation and communication technologies, Northeast Florida is focused on becoming the nation’s leading smart region. Supported by a multifaceted infrastructure encompassing rail, air, maritime and highway, businesses are consistently choosing the Jacksonville region as a location to expand and grow their operations into the future.

Stellar Energy Announces Plans to Triple its Jacksonville Manufacturing Capacity

Posted on January 26, 2024

Stellar Energy, an industry leader in providing solutions for boosting energy performance, announced a major expansion of their manufacturing capacity this week.

Stellar Energy’s Turbine Inlet Air Chilling systems for power and LNG producers, and Modular Cooling Systems for hyperscale technology industries, are in high demand as companies seek to operate more efficiently and sustainably. The Jacksonville-based company plans to triple manufacturing capacity in 2024 and projects a five-fold increase in 2025.

The company plans to invest more than $28 million in the project — $20 million in the building and more than $8 million in equipment. The Jacksonville City Council unanimously approved the economic development deal in October.

“My administration is laser focused on job growth, so Stellar Energy’s exciting expansion perfectly aligns with our goals for increasing good-paying jobs and supporting Jacksonville’s fast-growing manufacturing industry,” Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said. “This is another great example of an economic development deal the city can be proud to support. It will pay dividends for years to come.”

“We are thrilled to announce Stellar Energy’s decision to choose Jacksonville as the location for our continued exponential growth,” said Peter Gibson, Stellar Energy’s Executive Chairman. “Our expansion will not only bring a $28 million dollar investment to the city but also create high-paying jobs for the local community. This is a big plus for everyone.”

Gibson said the project will create at least 250 jobs in 2024, with more growth expected in the coming years.

“This is a major manufacturing project and a huge win for our region,” JAXUSA Partnership President Aundra Wallace said. “These are sought-after, high-wage job opportunities in our community and we appreciate Stellar Energy continuing to innovate and invest in their hometown.”

Northrop Grumman Helps St. Johns County Fly Into The Future

Posted on January 19, 2024

Northrop Grumman has maintained a presence in Northeast Florida for more than 40 years and is the largest private employer in St. Johns County. As one of the leading aerospace companies in the world, Northrop Grumman has serviced over 1,600 aircraft at its St. Augustine facility.

The site was established in 1980 by the legacy Grumman Aerospace Corporation, which merged with Northrop Corporation in 1994. The St. Augustine location grew into one of Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics System two main global aircraft manufacturing facilities. St. Johns County continuously works with Northrop Grumman leadership to create a business and operations environment that suits their needs.

“We really have a great relationship with St. Johns County,” said Randy Bradley, vice president and site leader for the St. Augustine site. “From our partnership with the regional airport to working with the schools to develop our future workforce, our collaboration with the county and region is one of the main reasons we have been able to grow as successfully as we have.”

Northrop Grumman also benefits from the region’s strong military presence. “Our ties to the defense sector and the region’s history with the military create opportunities for former servicepeople to continue serving their country at Northrop Grumman,” added Bradley. “A lot of Navy personnel have made their way through Jacksonville over the years and they consistently want to be here after their service is complete.”

The St. Augustine site is also leading the way with the next generation of advanced manufacturing, using virtual reality tools to create highly immersive models that are helping train future mechanics and blending process improvements and aircraft quality, safety with digital transformation.

Northrop Grumman is also committed to its role as an impactful corporate citizen. From offering scholarships to high school and college students to partnerships with K-9s for Warriors, the Boys & Girls Club, Toys for Tots and First Coast Honor Flights, they are integrated into the community and give back to the region on several levels.

“We never lose sight of our need to give back to an area that have given us so much,” concluded Bradley. “We believe in helping the communities we are in all over the world and the Jacksonville area holds a special and strategic place for Northrop Grumman.”

CSX Helps Power The Jacksonville Region’s Logistics Strength

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For over 200 years, CSX has been a critical part of the world’s supply chain. By focusing on the efficient movement of goods via rail and intermodal services, they have grown into a Fortune 500 company that connects major markets and industrial centers and serves some of the largest corporations in the world.

Jacksonville has been of strategic importance throughout CSX’s history as it evolved through the merging of several smaller railroads. The modern CSX was formed in 1980 through the merger of the Chessie System and Seaboard Coast Line Industries and the company’s name is derived from those initials. CSX moved its headquarters to downtown Jacksonville from Richmond, Virginia, in 2003 — today it serves as the nerve center for the company’s administrative and strategic functions, employing around 5,500 people in the Jacksonville region.

“Jacksonville has been important to CSX for talent attraction and development,” said Sean Pelkey, executive vice president and chief financial officer of CSX. “As our headquarters and the center of our functional operations, we hire at all experience and education levels, so the region’s proximity to great universities as well as a strong primary education system creates a natural draw that helps us excel.”

CSX is highly committed to serving both the Jacksonville community and its operations across the country. Their Pride In Service program focuses on supporting veterans and first responders and partners with some of the nation’s leading organizations such as Blue Star Families, Operation Homefront, The First Responders Children’s Foundation, Operation Gratitude and Wounded Warrior Project. Nearly 1 in 5 of the 22,000+ employees of CSX are either a veteran, a reservist or a first responder.

“The future for CSX is bright and we believe it is bright for Jacksonville as well,” added Pelkey. “The growth prospects for both are exciting because we are working in concert to create a global supply chain that increases efficiency, lowers risk and leverages technology – all areas where being in Northeast Florida adds value.”

Jacksonville Becoming Hub For Space and Defense Technology

Posted on January 11, 2024

The Jacksonville region has long been a leader in the aviation and aerospace industry and is now taking on a global leadership role in space and defense technology. The presence of some of the world’s leading providers and the emergence of new enterprises are drawing both interest and investment to Northeast Florida.

Several global companies anchor the strength of the region in space and defense.

  • Northrop Grumman has been in the St. Augustine area for over 40 years, and from this location, they work on some of the military’s most sophisticated aircraft.
  • Kaman Aerospace supplies metallic details, complex metallic aerostructures and metallic sub-assemblies for manned and unmanned helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and ground platforms.
  • Carlisle Interconnect Technologies is one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of high-performance wire and cable for a variety of industries with significant expertise in commercial aerospace, military and defense applications.
  • Boeing has been operating at Cecil Field since 1999 and is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, space and security systems, defense and global services.
  • Collins Aerospace provides intelligent solutions that sustain space exploration and mission success among other aviation and aerospace segments, and is a strategic business unit of RTX, the world’s largest aerospace company.
  • Grace Aerospace is a full-service build to print aerospace manufacturer and systems integrator with capabilities in product development, engineering, structural fabrication, CNC machining, electrical assembly and systems integration.

All of these organizations continue to grow in the area because of the region’s ability to provide skilled talent. Jacksonville’s significant military presence enhances its standing in the space and defense technology landscape — Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport play a crucial role in shaping the city’s role in the defense ecosystem and provide a high-quality of-life destination for the 3,000+ military personnel that retire from active service each year.

Northeast Florida has seen the benefits of growth in the space sector given its proximity to the Space Coast. Commercial real estate around Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center is limited, marking another reason why the Jacksonville region is a logical place to relocate or expand — this has been true for Redwire Space, a global space infrastructure and innovation company enabling civil, commercial and national security programs. Redwire’s corporate headquarters moved to Jacksonville in 2020 specifically for those reasons and is drawing similar companies to the region.

In addition to the corporate growth in the region, the area’s infrastructure is preparing for the next generation of space exploration and tourism.  Cecil Spaceport is the first commercial spaceport on the East Coast licensed to conduct horizontal launch operations and has been the center point for over $300 million in infrastructure improvements in the area.

Space and defense technology will continue to play a critical role in the global economy, and the Jacksonville region remains committed to supporting that growth.