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MSCA - News Letter

2020 Year in Review
Welcome to the 2020 Year in Review:

We will highlight significant events from this past year (while focusing primarily on our members).

We will also review key events from the MSCA.
A Message from Larry Bull, MSCA President:


2020 has challenged MSCA, as most organizations were challenged in a Covid  year.  In spite of this challenge MSCA has managed to stay active and keep our membership engaged.  We have done this predominately with  Zoom meeting / seminars and newsletters. I hope you were able to participate and the information brought value to you and your organization.  The topics covered with virtual meetings include:
 
  • Supply Chain Optimization
  • Operating in a Covid Environment - Shared Best Practices
  • PPP (Payroll Protection Plan) - In and outs of applying for loans and loan forgiveness
  • Polk County Covid Grant information - Financial Assistance for businesses in Polk Count
  • New Member Introductions
 
These virtual meetings were recorded and are available on our website to view at your convenience. 
 
In February we enjoyed a Tigers vs Rays spring training networking event...just before the pandemic shutdowns.
 
In early November we all came together for our Manufacturing Cup golf tournament at Winter Haven Country Club which was great fun and a huge success raising funds for work force development scholarships!
 
As we head into 2021, our expectations are high for an informational and event filled year.  You won't want to miss it!
 
  • Six Bi-monthly informational online  (or in person when appropriate) meetings with relevant content.  Subject Matter under consideration such as:
  • How to address the  Challenges of Managing a remote work force
  • Work Place Safety- Best practices in a post Covid environment.
  •  How to develop a Florida supply base - Use of the Connix data base
  •  PPP Round Two - How to qualify and apply
  •  Work Force Development - New ways to attract and retain key skills
  •   A New President and new regulations - What to expect and how to prepare
  •   Florida Legislative Session - What do manufacturers need and how do we get it in a tight budget world in Tallahassee?
               Your ideas are welcome!!
                
  • 1st Annual Manufacturing Gala and Awards Ceremony recognizing manufacturing in Polk County!
  • The 2nd Annual Manufacturer's Cup golf tournament.
  • Manufacturer's Day
  • Plant Tours.
 
 
Your support and involvement  is very important to us.
 
Thank you,
 
Larry Bull
President, MSCA
 
 



Nucor Opens New Plant in Frostproof

On December 18, 2020, Nucor Corporation's new rebar micro mill in Frostproof, Florida began operating. The Nucor Steel Florida team will ramp up production through the first quarter of 2021. The mill will utilize the abundant supply of scrap metal in Florida to recycle into new steel products that will supply the region's construction market. Nucor Steel Florida's 235 teammates will annually produce up to 350,000 tons of sustainable rebar products that will contain nearly 100 percent recycled content. We congratulate the entire Nucor Steel Florida team for their hard work during the pandemic to start up this project on schedule and for completing this project safely.
 
  • Nucor plant will employ 250 people at average wage that is 166% of Polk County average.
  • Nucor will spend $240 million to build the 620,000-square-foot plant south of Frostproof.
  • The plant is believed to be Polk County's largest industrial development since 1975.

 
 
 Our first loads of scrap metal arrived prior to the December 18th startup.  Nucor Steel Florida will recycle approx. 350,000 tons of scrap per year.

MSCA Golf Tournament


A great time was had by all, as money was raised that will benefit scholarships and training specific to manufacturing related careers.

While the weather look ominous at the start, the skies cleared and 19 teams competed for the Cup!

Winer Haven Country Club


And the winners of the Manufacturer's Challenge Cup:

MaxPak (Low net with at least 2 MaxPak employees) at -12


Thanks to the following companies that have committed to Sponsorship:
  • Mine & Mill Supply
  • S&B Metals
  • Ruthvens
  • Caribbean Distillers
  • Publix
  • Packaging Corp of America
  • American Vulcan
  • Morgan Stanley
  • ResourceMFG
  • Nucor
  • Bank of Central Florida
  • Mfg GAP Solutions
  • Chick-Fil-A
  • Publix
  • Createch
  • Streamsong
  • Winter Haven Country Club
The following teams participated:
  • Givaudan
  • FiFoil
  • Ferrera Tool
  • S&B Metals
  • Nucor
  • Createch
  • Ruthven
  • Saddle Creek
  • Florida's Carribean
  • MaxPak 
  • Container Graphics
  • Vulcan
  • Treatt (2 Teams)
  • A-C-T Environmental
 
 

After a significant plant expansion in 2019, MaxPak made additional capital investment into its corrugated plant.   The results were a remarkable 12% growth in a COVID plagued year!
 
Compass Blending
 
Orlando-based Grow Florida released its annual list of finalists for the "Companies to Watch" awards and 19 Tampa Bay companies have made the cut. 
The awards highlight mid-stage companies throughout Florida. The 81 finalists represent nearly 3,000 jobs and generate $670 million in revenue. Of the 81 companies, 19 represent the Tampa Bay area.
The finalists have, and continue to, demonstrate the resiliency and tenacity that comes along with being an entrepreneur," Tom O'Neal, GrowFL founder, said in a statement. "We know this year hasn't been easy, so we're excited to recognize our state's admirable business owners and their teams. I have a feeling they're just getting started." 
The Tampa Bay finalists are: Polk County - Compass Blending
Florida Aluminum Company Plans $120 Million Plant, 160 New Jobs in Winter Haven

According to the Winter Haven Economic Development Council, grounding breaking is set to commence this August on 77 acres for development of a can manufacturing plant. Florida Can Manufacturing LLC, part of a Miami company that also includes Florida Caribbean Distillers in Lake Alfred is part of a major expansion in Winer Haven.  The plant will be located  on the property located near Winter Haven's CSX Intermodal Terminal.





Amazon Air arrives at Lakeland Linder International Airport with 1st cargo flight
has completed its 223,000 sf air cargo facility at Lakeland Linder International Airport and in July welcomed its first Amazon Air aircraft, which traveled non-stop from Sacramento, CA. The regional air hub is Amazon's largest in the Southeast and includes two additional support buildings that are each approximately 30,000 sf. The e-commerce giant has already hired between 300-400 workers and will eventually hire up to 800. By mid-to-late August, there will be six daily Amazon Air aircraft flying in and out of the airport. Lakeland Linder International Airport invested over $45 million to upgrade their Instrument Landing System, add five fuel tanks and made significant runway improvements to ready themselves for this project. Amazon's capital investment 
is approximately $130 million for the construction of their facilities.
   



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