“From producing diabetic testing supplies to making robotic surgical systems, South Florida manufacturers are generating jobs. But they’re not your father’s (or mother’s) manufacturing jobs: many require highly technical training. With higher skills required to operate more complex machinery, the industry is providing new careers in the region, said Tom Kennedy, president of the South Florida Manufacturing Association, in Pompano Beach. ‘More jobs in the sector are offering high pay for top skills. The average annual pay in manufacturing is $67,000 in Florida, 24 percent higher than average state wages, according to the group’s figures.”
“From November 2010 to November 2011, the state added 5,200 jobs in manufacturing, including 500 in Palm Beach County. Jobs included many traditional jobs, such as production managers, machinists, sheet-metal workers, assemblers and welders, the state workforce agency said. But breakthrough technologies in medical devices, electronics and aerospace also are generating new jobs, according to Enterprise Florida, a public-private partnership for economic development.
“Quality control, more available and less costly real estate, ease of transportation and a diverse workforce are some of the reasons manufacturers are locating in the region, said Kelly Smallridge, president of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. ‘We are seeing an uptick and a comeback in this area that we haven’t see in many years,’ she said.”
“MAKO Surgical, a Davie company, also invested in high-techequipment, recently opening a second production line and hiring for 100 new jobs. MAKO said it is adding computer science and technology jobs that pay average annual wages of $85,000. In Miami-Dade County, ProSolus Pharmaceuticals said it would add 45 jobs at its new Miami headquarters. While most jobs are corporate positions, the former Pennyslvania company is considering a lab and manufacturing plant as well, according to the Beacon Council, the county’s economic development group.”
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