Through the Central Florida Development Council, Polk County takes a proactive approach to business recruitment. By responding to promising leads and cultivating strategic partnerships, Polk continues to welcome new companies – producing a ripple effect that benefits our entire community. From new job creation to expanded tax bases, these efforts support vital services like education, infrastructure, and public safety.
In the 2023-34 fiscal year, Polk County, our municipalities and local economic development organizations welcomed a strong cohort of new and expanding businesses to the region. This year’s activity builds on a five-year impact resulting in:
- $2.27B in capital investment
- 5,172 in total project jobs and
- 9.2M in new & occupied square footage
Notable projects from the past year include:
- Equipment Share is investing $40 million to build a new facility in Mulberry, creating 40 new jobs.
- Winter Haven will be welcoming Niagara, a leader in beverage manufacturing, building a $421 million, 1 million-square-foot facility at the Integrated Logistics Park in Winter Haven. This project will add 130 jobs.
- Novaphos, headquartered in Fort Meade, is expanding its footprint with a $34 million, 40,000-square-foot manufacturing and processing facility. Their patented process to produce phosphate more sustainably aligns with Polk’s agricultural legacy.
- Sika, a global leader in construction chemicals, is adding a 20,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Haines City. Their $10 million investment will generate new, high-salary jobs and elevate the region’s industrial base.
These projects are a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration. Polk County continues to enhance its industrial diversity, adding to our rich legacy of citrus and phosphate, helping to create greater resiliency and opportunity.
Learn more at www.cfdc.org or call 863-937-4430. Opportunity grows here.
Sean Malott is President & CEO of the Central Florida Development Council, which he has led since 2016. He has directed economic development and worked on business partnerships in a variety of roles throughout his career. He has a bachelor’s degree in business management from Purdue University.