The Growing Manufacturing Industry In Collier County

The manufacturing industry has been the industry to watch over the past few years.  
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That’s not surprising considering that manufacturing in the United States is the ninth-largest economy in the world. In fact, manufacturers in the U.S. perform more than three-quarters of all private-sector research and development in the nation, driving more innovation than any other sector. 

Here is a quick look at manufacturing by the numbers: 

• There are about 354,347 manufacturing operations nationally that support 12.6 million jobs and contribute $18.4 trillion dollars to the gross domestic product of the U.S.  
• Industry earnings average $85,507 per job, compared to the average earnings of all industries of about $66,902. 

• For every $1 spent in manufacturing, another $1.89 is added to the economy.  
  
  

Due to factors such as pro-business policies, workforce and trade infrastructure, Florida ranks among the nation’s top 10 states for manufacturing. Of the 381,140 manufacturing jobs in Florida, the Southwest Florida region accounts for 14,000 manufacturing jobs – however, that number is growing year-over-over as the region has seen a 28% increase in jobs in this industry over the past five years. In order to support this growth and develop talent, the region maintains 13 production-oriented programs and has more in the pipeline.  

Collier County is on par with the national trend, supporting a strong and ever-growing manufacturing industry. Check out these quick facts about manufacturing in Collier County: 

• 317 manufacturing operations--including medical device manufacturers, chemical manufacturers, and cable and wire manufacturers--are located in Collier County.  
• 4,200 individuals are employed in the manufacturing industry with an anticipated growth of nearly 10% over the next 5 years.  

• $988.7 million was contributed to the local economy in 2018. 
• $12.23 per hour is the average starting salary for manufacturing positions, such as assemblers, machinists and welders. 
  
  

“Since moving to Naples in 1976, Pelican Wire has watched Collier County grow, and we’ve been pleased to be part of that growth,” said Trent Dunn, marketing manager at Pelican Wire, an employee-owned manufacturer of application-driven wire. “As a global manufacturer, we help to diversify the economy of Southwest Florida and take great pride in sending our products across the globe. As we continue to grow and develop new markets, we will also continue to stand as proud ambassadors of Southwest Florida.” 

So, what’s next?  
Understanding and addressing trends in the manufacturing industry will aide in the growth and vitality of the industry. By 2020 there will be an estimated 3,227 workers retiring in manufacturing positions in Collier County alone. Since January, there have been 1,600 postings for positions related to manufacturing operations, confirming the demand for labor in this industry.  

Recognizing the need, Collier County is creating a pipeline for future talent and continues to promote technical education by opening training programs, such the Center for Manufacturing Excellence, which will expand and enhance Immokalee Technical College’s manufacturing offerings at a centralized location. The Center, which is set to open in January 2020, will not only offer a traditional machining course, but also create specialized, industry-specific training programs and an apprenticeship program.  

“Collier County has been crucial for our business and strategic delivery,” said Cindy Santiago, human resources manager at Progress Rail, a supplier of railroad and transit system products and services. “Starting from our early beginnings, the county has supported our initiatives to support our community and bring new talent. At Progress Rail, we believe in building partnerships, supporting our community and building the next generation of workforce.” 

The Greater Naples Chamber works to engage students and business operations alike to create a vibrant economy in all industries, including manufacturing.  

National Manufacturing Day is Friday, Oct. 4, and we have partnered with Pelican Wire and Arthrex to host work-site tours for high school students to showcase local manufacturing careers. These events allow manufacturers to open their doors and connect with future workforce. Follow us along on Facebook and Instagram the week of Oct. 4, as we highlight the manufacturing industry. 

Do you have an hour to spare to engage and inspire students about local opportunities? Visit napleschamber.org/collierleads or contact Alex Breault at alex@napleschamber.org. 

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Looking for resources for your business? Check out the resources available to you below. 

Talent Development 
Collier Leads, a collaboration between Southwest Florida’s major educational institutions and local businesses, create work-based learning opportunities—such as internships—that a crucial to the development of our future workforce.  
Contact: Alex Breault, director of work-based learning, alex@napleschamber.org 
 
Business Retention and Expansion 
Take advantage of business support programs that improve your bottom line, grow your business and create jobs at no cost to you!  

• Economic development incentives 
• Workforce training and financial assistance 
• Connecting with local, state and federal government officials
• Import-export assistance and international business development 
• Financing options 
• Expansion project assistance 
• Identifying grant opportunities 
• Business management and consulting 
• Networking opportunities 
• Business development 

Contact:  
Melanie Schmees, director of business & economic research, melanie@napleschamber.org 
 
Economic Development Resources 
The Chamber's focus on economic development is to create a healthy economic climate where businesses can thrive. To meet this goal, we provide key services and support, ranging from relocation and expansion expertise to long-term planning with our community partners. Learn more about our partners here: 

• CareerSource of Southwest Florida – Offers employers resources such as recruitment, job matching, applicant pre-screening, job fair hiring events and more. 
• Florida SouthWestern State College – Provides a centralized location for FSW’s corporate training initiatives, the Florida Flex Quick Response Training and the Incumbent Worker Training grants.  

• Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University - Offers access to robust databases, business research resources and knowledgeable experts who can help you successfully navigate obstacles with the stages of the business life cycle.  
• SWFL Regional Manufacturing Association - The mission of the association is to link manufacturers with one another and with valuable regional and state resources that can help to educate, train, advocate, and legislate. Simply, the SRMA is a resource for all manufacturers with a board of directors that are truly committed to seeing all size manufacturers prosper. The SRMA has so many services to offer including monthly "roundtable" meetings with a different topic each month.
  
  

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