BRADENTON, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced that Tropicana’s manufacturing plant in Manatee County can now begin expedited plant development operations through the Florida Manufacturing Competitiveness Act. Tropicana is the first manufacturer in the state to take advantage of the program and be granted a Master Development Plan, designed to be the single land development plan for the company’s future growth in Bradenton.  The Manufacturing Competitiveness Act was signed by Gov. Rick Scott in 2013, enabling local governments to attract, establish and maintain manufacturing enterprises by expediting permitting and development processes.


Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida’s manufacturing industry is responsible for creating thousands of jobs for families across our state. By cutting taxes, growing a business-friendly environment and creating innovative programs like the Manufacturing Competitiveness Act, we are helping more job creators like Tropicana succeed in Florida. I am proud that Tropicana continues to invest in our state.”


Under the Manufacturing Competitiveness Act, Florida counties can establish a manufacturing development program, which encourages manufacturers to locate in Florida or expand their existing operations to take advantage of streamlined development plans. In September 2015, Manatee County was the first Florida county to establish a local development program. Last week, the county commission took final action to approve the company’s Master Development Plan, expediting Tropicana’s development and growth projects. The Master Development Plan allows Tropicana to take advantage of expedited state and local permitting processes, helping the company continue to grow its workforce and enhance productivity.


Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity said, “The Manufacturing Competitiveness Act helps get Florida businesses in operation sooner, which means they can hire workers faster and generate positive economic impact more quickly. I am confident that as other manufacturers and counties see the benefits of this unique program, it will successfully expand across the state. Through this program and our efforts to cut burdensome taxes on manufacturers in Florida, we are growing our manufacturing industry and working to provide more high-skill, high-wage jobs to hardworking Floridians.”


Cliff McDerment, Plant Director, Tropicana Bradenton, said, “Tropicana would like to thank Governor Scott and Manatee County for their support of manufacturers. Tropicana is proud to be the first manufacturer in Florida certified under the Manufacturing Competitiveness Act. The time and money Tropicana will save through this program is a great incentive to keep our business in Florida. We are proud to be a strong Florida manufacturer and look forward to our future growth in the Sunshine State.”


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