CORAL GABLES, Fla. (November 20, 2018) – Today, Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) announced two new partnerships to assist small and medium-sized Florida manufacturers. EFI signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with the Manufacturing Association of Central Florida (MACF) and the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast Manufacturing Association (MASC). These partnerships will provide Florida businesses with additional resources and grant opportunities to help develop and expand their international markets.

“Enterprise Florida is thrilled to partner with the Manufacturing Associations of Central Florida and the Space Coast,” said Manny Mencia, senior vice president of international trade and development. “We look forward to helping more Florida manufacturers expand internationally and grow their client base.”

“MACF is excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Enterprise Florida to promote, expand, and grow Central Florida manufacturing to markets across the globe,” said Sherry Reeves, Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida. “This strategic partnership will create new opportunities and add value to our manufacturing membership.”

“Manufacturing continues to be a key industry in Florida, especially here on the Space Coast,” said Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC). “This partnership will provide our manufacturers access to a range of new opportunities, from diversifying their client base to growth in international business.”

Florida ranks among the nation’s top 10 states for manufacturing and is home to over 19,000 manufacturers. More than 331,000 Floridians work in the state’s manufacturing industries and our training schools, community colleges, and universities are among the nation’s top producers of STEM graduates.

Last year, merchandise valued at $147.7 billion flowed through Florida’s ports with Florida-origin exports reaching $55 billion. Florida exported more goods than 190 countries in 2017, making the state a world leader in international trade.