ZITEC, Inc. specializes in the development, design, manufacturing, testing, installation, reconditioning and servicing of munitions support equipment, aircraft ground servicing equipment, and electronics. ZITEC serves government customers, defense contractors, foreign military allies, and provides onsite hands-on training for all products. ZITEC became ISO 9001:2008 certified in 2014.

FloridaMakes, with representatives from eight Regional Manufacturing Associations and more than 35 manufacturing companies, convened in Tallahassee, Florida in January to advocate for manufacturing in Florida. The event-filled agenda included a FloridaMakes board meeting, legislative meetings, briefings, and guest speakers. RMAs also had a monthly meeting focusing on the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Leadership Council with CareerSource Florida.  

FloridaMakes, as the official representative of the MEP National Network and the NIST MEP in the State of Florida, can add up to $3.5M in federal funding to Florida if the state matches those funds dollar-for-dollar ( HB 2737). The combined federal and state funds would be used to strengthen Florida’s manufacturing sector, particularly in rural areas. Visit FloridaMakes.com for details on services and impacts throughout the State of Florida. 

FloridaMakes is a great resource and can help your company address current challenges, create new opportunities for growth and achieve measurable results. To learn how FloridaMakes’ services can unlock growth opportunities and cost savings for your company, contact your FloridaMakes Business Advisors Daniel Krug at [email protected] or at (850) 612-5895 or Mike Shew at [email protected] or at (850) 377-0716.

From left: Jimmy Patronis, Florida CFO, and Ed Phelan, NWFMC Chairman

On January 26, the University of West Florida's Sea3D Additive Manufacturing Laboratory held its grand opening. As the first launch of UWF's Innovation Network, the Sea3D lab currently houses 11 3-D printers: six MakerBot Z18 replicators, four Formlabs Form 2 printers, and one Stratasys Mojo printer. Visit the UWF Sea3D website to learn more about the lab's capabilities and request printing services.

On January 31, the House Ways & Means Committee heard the following proposals for inclusion in the House tax package: Agriculture-Related Hurricane Issues, Research and Development Tax Credits, and Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Ex-Service Member or Spouse. As part of the R&D proposal, Representative Burton recommended an increase in the 2018 tax credits from $9 million to $16.5 million. In 2017, 136 applicants received 16% of requested credits.

For a summary of the second wave of bills moving forward, please take a look at the MAF report.

Join us as we congratulate Cindy Anderson on her recent retirement and express our gratitude for her service to the NWFMC. If you would like to send her well wishes or keep in touch, please email her at [email protected].

Jobs with Manufacturers

This newsletter was developed in collaboration with the University of West Florida.