Manufacturer Relocates to Indian River County

Board of County Commissioners Approve Jobs Grant Incentive

The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Office is pleased to announce that Kessel Medical, Inc. was approved for the county’s Local Jobs Grant incentive. Kessel Medical is a medical device manufacturer that relocated to Vero Beach from Atlanta in late 2021.

In a unanimous decision, the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners approved Kessel Medical’s request for a Local Jobs Grant. The company anticipates

hiring 20 new employees over the next three years, at salary levels at or above the county’s average annual wage of $51,000. Using these figures, county staff calculated that Kessel Medical is eligible for a Local Jobs Grant in the amount of up to $106,000, with payments to begin a year after the jobs are filled, paid over a 5-year period. Based on earnings, the Chamber’s Economic Development Office estimated the company’s economic impact at nearly $1.8 million, using a 1.45 multiplier for the manufacturing industry. Medical manufacturing is a targeted industry for Indian River County and the State of Florida.

Kessel Medical produces FDA-approved in-vitro diagnostics and neurosurgical implants for home and hospital use, contracting with other small medical device companies along the U.S. east coast. With 60 years combined experience in the medical industry, over 56 patents issued through the U.S. patent office, numerous national design excellence awards and a generous exit from a prior medical device start-up, the founders “felt that the next phase of their entrepreneurial journey would be best undertaken in the small slice of paradise that is Vero Beach”, explains Jack Griffis, the company’s co-founder and CTO.

“Kessel Medical is extremely pleased with the Commission’s unanimous decision to approve the jobs grant application” continues Mr. Griffis. “Since starting operations in Indian River County earlier this year, Kessel has been able to grow at a much faster rate than originally anticipated. In combination with this accelerated growth, the Jobs Grant will permit Kessel to recruit and retain high quality talent for production, operations engineering, and quality assurance support. We look forward to our upcoming facility expansion as well as bringing to Indian River County more high paying job opportunities for the population at large.”

The Chamber’s Economic Development Office is working with the owners to help them find larger space as they grow their operations.

“We are excited to have Kessel Medical a part of our growing medical community,” notes Helene Caseltine, the Chamber’s Economic Development Director. “With annual salaries paying at or above the county’s average annual wage, this calculates to approximately $1.2 million in new paychecks circulating in our local economy each year, once the company is in full operation.” The company also plans to offer competitive internships and co-operative education employment to local college and university students.

For more information on locating or expanding a business in Indian River County, call Helene Caseltine at the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, 772-567-3491 or visit www.indianrivered.com.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Dec. 9, 2022|

A-1 Industries celebrates 45 years of excellence with day of appreciation for employees

A-1 Industries of Florida, Inc. (A-1), a leading manufacturer of pre-engineered wood trusses in the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean, is celebrating its 45th anniversary with the launch of a new corporate video and a special day of appreciation for its employees.

"What sets us apart from other manufacturers is our people," says John Herring, A-1's President and CEO. "We use state-of-the-art software and have amazing facilities, but our team is truly our company bedrock. They are the reason we have been in business for more than four decades."

A-1's special day of employee appreciation was held on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at its Fort Pierce, Fla., and Bainbridge, Ga., manufacturing facilities.

A-1 was formed in 1977 as A-1 Roof Trusses. In 2022, the company changed its corporate name to A-1 Industries of Florida and laid plans to use the A-1 brand name to identify all future bases of operation.

Since 1977, A-1's accomplishments have been extraordinary. A-1 ranks in the top 5 percent of all building materials manufacturers in single-site production quality and efficiency through its use of technology. Over the years, A-1 has won many awards for its business operations, including Manufacturer of the Year in 2022 by the South Florida Manufacturers Association and the 2021 Best Places to Work in St. Lucie County, Fla.

"A-1 has enjoyed 100 percent growth in the past three years," says Jan Beck, A-1's Executive Vice president and CFO. "We ship 40 to 50 units daily, and we're positioned to ship 100 to 200 units a day with the continued ramp-up of our Bainbridge facility."

As A-1 celebrates 45 years, Herring says the company plans for the long-term. "Our vision is for A-1 to be a 100-year company," Herring says. “We will continue to use technology and focus on people to change the way America builds homes.”

About A-1

Founded in 1977, A-1 has over 350 employees and is a leading manufacturer of pre engineered wood trusses and EZWALL® wall panels. The company has manufacturing facilities in Fort Pierce, Fla., and a sister company located on 80 acres in Bainbridge, Ga., operating as A-1 Industries of Georgia, LLC. A-1 has multiple employment opportunities in Florida and Georgia for candidates looking to be part of A-1’s continued growth and who share in A-1’s Core Values – Own it, Passionate, Honesty, and Respect.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Sep. 27, 2022|

Home Run slugger Aaron Judge uses bats made on Treasure Coast

Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees is using a Chandler Bat made in Port St. Lucie

Sep. 26, 2022|

A-1 announces appointment of Robert Chance to vice president of human resources

A-1 Industries of Florida, Inc. (“A-1”), a leading manufacturer of pre-engineered wood trusses, announced that Robert Chance has joined A-1 as its new vice president of human resources.

With over 30 years of Human Resources experience, Bob most recently held the role of global vice president of human resources at Troy Corporation, providing global human resources oversight to the organization. “The addition of Bob to our team will help us implement the strategies our organization needs to continue to grow and remain successful,” said John R. Herring, A-1’s president, and CEO, adding “Our people have always been our greatest asset and Bob’s mastery of people and cultural development will be an advantage as we continue our vision to be a 100-year company.”

Jan S. Beck, A-1’s executive vice president and CFO added, “I have known Bob for 8 years and am excited to welcome him to our team. A-1 is enjoying tremendous growth in both the Fort Pierce and Bainbridge locations and Bob’s proven track record as a senior Human Resources executive with extensive experience in labor, talent management, and employment law; along with his strong values, align perfectly with our mission, vision and core values.”

Robert received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Texas Tech University. He and his wife, Tricia, are currently in the process of relocating to Port Saint Lucie, FL.

About A-1

A-1 Industries of Florida, Inc. founded in 1977, is headquartered in Fort Pierce, Florida, with over 300 employees and is a leading manufacturer of pre-engineered wood trusses and EZWALL® wall panels. As a well-known innovator with progressive leadership in the industry, its services include design, manufacture, inventory management, and supply for the Construction industry in the Southeast United States and the Caribbean. A-1 continues to be on the forefront of an assortment of new and improved services for the construction industry. A-1 Industries of Georgia, LLC, a sister company, is located on 80 acres in Bainbridge, Georgia. This innovative new facility is involved in multiple manufacturing processes, using the latest cutting-edge computer technologies. It operates in a totally computerized manufacturing environment, utilizing CNC machines, real-time scheduling programs, and floor management systems creating efficiencies unmatched in the United States.

A-1 has multiple employment opportunities in Florida and Georgia for candidates looking to be part of A-1’s continued growth and who share in A-1’s Core Values – Own it, Passionate, Honesty and Respect.

Aug. 29, 2022|

Production begins at Contender Boats St. Lucie plant

Contender staff with the company’s first boat manufactured in St. Lucie County.

The iconic Packers of Indian River facility off Midway Road in Fort Pierce is now home to Contender Boats, an equally iconic Florida boat manufacturer.

Production of Contender’s premium semi-custom boats began in August at the 100,000-square-foot facility that was formerly a hub for area citrus fruit packing. At full operation, approximately 200 employees will be crafting all Contender’s 32-foot and smaller boats in St. Lucie County while larger boats will continue to be built at the company’s headquarters in Homestead, Florida.

Founded in 1984, Contender builds a full line of sportfishing boat models from 24 to 44 feet, with many customizations available – from engine power to upholstery. The Fort Pierce facility is the company’s sole expansion outside of Homestead.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our operations here in Florida,” said Joe Neber, Contender’s founder, owner and president. “Fort Pierce has a longstanding reputation in the boatbuilding industry, and we are looking forward to leveraging local talent as we grow our team.”

“We are proud to have Contender join St. Lucie County’s thriving marine community,” said St. Lucie County Commission Chairman Sean Mitchell. “With the Fort Pierce inlet offering safe and speedy ocean access, multiple high-quality boatbuilders, the largest mobile boat hoist in the U.S. and an experienced workforce, our county’s blue economy is flourishing.”

“The announcement of the sale of the citrus packing facility to Contender last year was met with a great deal of enthusiasm,” said Pete Tesch, president of the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County (EDC). “Not only were we excited to have a company with Contender’s great reputation join our prestigious community of boatbuilders, the renovation of the packing house for the manufacture of sportfishing boats is symbolic of the remarkable resiliency we’ve seen as our local economy has evolved over the past few years.”

Amanda Sabin, Contender’s director of marketing, noted that the rooms where oranges used to be sprayed down are now being used as spray bays for boats. “This facility is allowing us to expand our operation while strengthening our commitment to building our boats here in Florida,” she said. “It’s an added bonus to be playing a historical role in St. Lucie County’s economy as well.”

About Contender Boats

Founded in 1984 and based in Homestead, Florida, Contender Boats is a recognized leader in building semi-custom sportfishing boats – carefully engineered and meticulously handcrafted. Today, Contender offers various models from 24 to 44 feet. Customizations are available for every model – from engine power to upholstery – delivering the performance, convenience and comfort anglers expect. To learn more about Contender Boats or to find a dealer, visit www.contenderboats.com, Facebook @contender boats inc. and Instagram @contenderboatsofficial.

About the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County

The EDC is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic vitality in St. Lucie County through the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses in the community. The EDC works in partnership with local governments and the private sector to advance its goals of creating more and better-paying jobs for residents, broadening the tax base and improving St. Lucie County’s economic quality of life. Contact the EDC at 772.336.6250 or www.youredc.com.

Aug. 22, 2022|

A-1 Industries of Florida, Inc. Wins 2022 Manufacturer-of-the-Year Award

A-1 Industries of Florida, Inc. (“A-1”), a leading manufacturer of pre-engineered wood trusses, is excited to announce that it has received the prestigious 2022 Manufacturer-of-the-Year Award for manufacturing companies with over 150 employees. The criteria for the award are based on a juried assessment under the Baldridge Performance Excellence Program.

Each year the South Florida Manufacturers Association (“SFMA”) recognizes manufacturing companies that demonstrate best in class in all facets of their business in the areas of leadership, strategy, customers, workforce, operations, and knowledge management. On June 16th, at the 43rd Recognition of Excellence Awards Ceremony in Davie, Florida, A-1 was recognized as the 2022 Manufacturer-of-the-Year, with several companies participating representing a wide range of industries, and A-1 being one of only two companies nominated on the Treasure Coast.

“We are extremely honored to receive this recognition, in addition to winning Best Places to Work™ in St. Lucie County in 2021,” said John Herring, President and CEO. “It takes an entire team, and this award validates the flexibility, adaptability, and resiliency of our employees and their continued focus on meeting the needs of our customers; a team that our peers recognize as one of the best in the industry.”

About A-1

A-1 Industries of Florida, Inc. founded in 1977, is headquartered in Fort Pierce, Florida, with over 300 employees and is a leading manufacturer of pre-engineered wood trusses and EZWALL® wall panels. As a well-known innovator with progressive leadership in the industry, its services include design, manufacture, inventory management, and supply for the construction industry in the Southeast United States and the Caribbean. Additionally, A-1 continues to be at the forefront of an assortment of new and improved services for the construction industry. A-1 Industries of Georgia, LLC, a sister company, is located on 80 acres in Bainbridge, Georgia. This innovative new facility is involved in multiple manufacturing processes, using the latest cutting-edge computer technologies. It operates in a totally computerized manufacturing environment, utilizing CNC machines, real-time scheduling programs, and floor management systems creating efficiencies unmatched in the United States.

Jun. 20, 2022|

Piper Aircraft selects local high school graduates to join manufacturing team

On May 5, 2022 Piper Aircraft hosted students from both the Vero Beach and Sebastian River High Schools for a tour and exploratory visit of the Piper Aircraft worldwide headquarters in Vero Beach, FL. Following the visit, Piper Aircraft coordinated interviews of several of the recent high school graduates and extended job offers to 84% of the candidates. The newly hired candidates are currently in the training process and will join the manufacturing and production control teams in the near future.

Piper Aircraft continues to actively recruit and hire personnel for positions throughout the organization in an effort to meet current and future production needs. With the robust nature of the marketplace and demand for both trainer and personal aircraft, Piper’s production for 2022 is sold out, with firm orders into 2024. For more information on current employment opportunities at Piper Aircraft, visit www.piper.com/careers.

About Piper Aircrafts

Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin Autoland. The single-engine M-Class series – the M600SLS, M500, and M350 – offers businesses and individual’s elegant performance, value and a superior ownership experience. The Personal Class Archer LX and Archer DLX balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in a piston powered aircraft. The Trainer Class Pilot 100/100i, Archer TX, Archer DX, Seminole and Seneca V aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. To learn more about Piper Aircraft, visit www.piper.com

Jun. 11, 2022|

Florida SBDC Network, FloridaMakes Announce Partnership to Aid State’s Small Manufacturers

Florida SBDC Network, FloridaMakes announce partnership to aid state's small manufacturers

L-R: Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network, and Kevin Carr, CEO of FloridaMakes, with the MOU

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and FloridaMakes have formalized a strategic partnership to support Florida’s small manufacturers.

The partnership will provide greater access to and awareness of Florida SBDC Network and FloridaMakes training and resources for small manufacturers in Florida. The agreement will foster greater communication, cross-referrals, understanding of each other’s services, and collaboration on training and programs for small manufacturers across the state.

"FloridaMakes’ long commitment to strengthen and advance Florida’s economy by improving the productivity and technological performance of small manufacturers compliments our mission of ensuring our state’s small businesses have the expertise and resources to succeed,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “We look forward to partnering with FloridaMakes to help more of our state’s small manufacturers grow and create more jobs for Florida’s families.”

FloridaMakes is a statewide, industry-led, public-private partnership operated by an alliance of Florida's regional manufacturers associations with the sole mission of strengthening and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on small- and medium-sized firms.

"Florida is home to over 23,000 manufacturers, of which about 80 percent have 20 or less employees," said Kevin Carr, Chief Executive Officer of FloridaMakes. "This partnership will allow us to expand the breadth of services we offer the industry in order to help grow and retain small manufacturers in Florida."

Through this agreement, Florida’s Regional Manufacturers Associations (RMAs), allied through the FloridaMakes network, may enter into local partnerships with Florida SBDC regional offices to support small manufacturers through local programs and initiatives.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the organizations in Jacksonville during the Florida Chamber’s Transportation Growth and Infrastructure Summit this week.

About the Florida SBDC Network:

For over 45 years, the Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance [Fl. Stat. 288.001], has nourished a statewide partnership between higher education and economic development to provide existing and emerging small and medium-sized business owners with management and knowledge resources that enable overall growth, increased profitability, and economic prosperity for Florida’s economy. In 2020, the Florida SBDC Network delivered more than 162,500 hours of consulting to more than 24,000 small businesses, resulting in 38,797 jobs impacted, $7.4 billion in sales generated, $553.5 million in capital accessed, and $488.1 million in government contracts acquired. According to an economic impact study conducted for the Florida SBDC, it was estimated that for every $1 invested in the Florida SBDC $60 is returned to the state in tax revenue and our services resulted in a $3.9 billion impact on Florida's economy. With over 40 offices statewide, the Florida SBDC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Department of Defense, State of Florida and other private and public partners. The Florida SBDC Network, headquartered at the University of West Florida, is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs and is a recipient of the President’s E Award for Export Service. Florida SBDC services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for individuals with limited English proficiency. For more information, please visit www.FloridaSBDC.org.

About FloridaMakes:

FloridaMakes is a statewide, industry-led, public-private partnership operated by an alliance of Florida's regional manufacturer associations and organizations that serve manufacturers. FloridaMakes’ sole mission is strengthening and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on small- and medium-sized firms. It accomplishes this by providing services focused on three principal value streams: technology adoption, talent development, and business growth. FloridaMakes is the representative of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network in the state of Florida, a program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. For more information, visit www.FloridaMakes.com.

May. 2, 2022|

Inter American University of Puerto Rico Places Order for Piper Seminole During Sun-n-Fun Aerospace Expo

Piper Aircraft has announced an order for a Piper Seminole twin-engine trainer from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico. This order marks the first new Piper Seminole to be sold into Puerto Rico in more than 20 years. The order was received on the fourth day of the Sun-n-Fun Aerospace Expo 2022. The Inter American University of Puerto Rico will take delivery of their first new Seminole in the first quarter of 2023, which will join their Piper fleet of eight Archers, one Seminole, and one Arrow.

The Airway Science Programs of the Inter American University of Puerto Rico started at the Metropolitan Campus in 1985 and then moved to the Bayamón Campus in 1992 and today the School of Aeronautics offers the following Airway Science baccalaureate degrees:

Aircraft Systems Management (Professional Pilot),
Aviation Sciences Management

Both programs are accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

The Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Aeronautics is the only collegiate institution in the Caribbean to offer bachelor’s degrees in two areas of Airway Sciences.

“We are extremely excited to work with the Inter American University of Puerto Rico and support their flight program with advanced training equipment. The pilot training curriculum offered by Inter American University of Puerto Rico combined with the Garmin G1000 NXi equipped Piper Seminole will further strengthen their stellar reputation for providing well-trained pilots who are prepared for the demands of the aviation industry. We look forward to delivering their new Seminole next year”, said Dan Lewis, Manager, Regional Sales for Latin America.

About Piper Aircraft, Inc.

Apr. 11, 2022|

Start of Construction Underway at Newfield

Five years after Knight Kiplinger presented his vision for Newfield to the citizens of Martin County, and more than a year after the county commissioners approved the Master Site Plan for Phase 1, construction work began last fall and is moving forward.

But don’t go looking for new houses yet, because the early work is almost invisible–the laying of pipes for public water and sewer, fire hydrants, as well as for telecommunications lines, etc.

Then comes the creation of stormwater retention lakes, waterways, grading for the town center, and the laying out of streets, blocks and village greens.

“I’m pleased that so many local folks are enthusiastic about Newfield and impatient for it to get underway. But I remind them of how long it takes to build a high-quality new town–not just the government review and approvals, but the careful design and engineering of the community. And after homebuilding begins, it will be a gradual, decade-long build-out.” – Knight Kiplinger

The utility work is the first, vital infrastructure for a new town, and it’s progressing west along Citrus Boulevard, from Citrus Grove Elementary and Park, almost two miles to where the town center will start to grow next year. After the utility trenches were filled and sodded over, the only indication of completed work are the new yellow fire hydrants of Martin County Utilities.

Following plans done by Shaun MacKenzie of MacKenzie Engineering and Planning, Inc., of Palm City, the work is being performed by Felix Associates of Stuart, one of numerous regional contractors that bid on the Newfield infrastructure.

“We were pleased to select Felix for several reasons,” said Knight Kiplinger. “They have a great reputation, are local, and were able to assure us they could get the piping, which is in short supply during this national construction boom.”

The utility work, in the broad right of way of Citrus Boulevard, is not disturbing the current agricultural operations of Newfield, some of which will continue after the new town is built, since agriculture will be a key component of the Kiplinger vision.

Tommy Smith’s herd of cattle are watching the work along Citrus, where pastures will remain at Citrus and Boat Ramp Avenue as part of the Newfield Master Plan and its 2,000+ acres of open space (some 70% of the total acreage).

Farmer John Long, of Agri-Gators, Inc. who grows potatoes on leased land at Newfield, will complete this winter growing season before his acreage is reduced next year by grading for the town center.

You can watch the story on start of construction via WPTV here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7uFgYYcUEc

Kiplinger and Commissioner Ed Ciampi, whose Palm City district will include Newfield, recently spoke to Jon Shainman of Channel 5 WPTV(NBC in West Palm Beach) about the start of construction.

During the interview, a curious alligator did some sunbathing along one of the current ag canals.

Almost all of the new town will arise on former farmland north of Citrus, not on the natural lands–slash pines, saw palmettos, sabal palms and prairie–south of the boulevard, which will be preserved forever (and traversed by trails) in the Kiplinger Conservancy.

In the far northwest corner of the Conservancy, there will be a gopher tortoise sanctuary where tortoises removed from other development projects will be relocated.

After the utilities are completed shortly, work will begin on creating a network of waterways–connected lakes and canals for visual beauty, recreation, and stormwater retention during rainy seasons.

The fill from digging the waterways will raise the level of the new town center a few feet. The first of these lakes will be north of Citrus, and some will eventually be dug on part of the open land south of Citrus, across from the new town.

While all of this is going on, Knight and his team are advancing the design of new county playing fields and the look of the town center, with its mix of various housing types and neighborhood retail.

For the economic vitality of Martin County, there is considerable market interest in Newfield’s light-industrial land that lies along the Florida Turnpike, called Martin Enterprise Park.

It will be attractive to a variety of employers and their business needs, ranging from warehouse space to research & development and light manufacturing.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at https://tcbusiness.com tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email mailto:[email protected] [email protected]

Mar. 7, 2022|

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