{"id":308120,"date":"2026-06-15T17:25:05","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T17:25:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/308120\/"},"modified":"2026-06-15T17:25:05","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T17:25:05","slug":"east-tampa-becomes-focus-of-manufacturing-job-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/308120\/","title":{"rendered":"East Tampa becomes focus of manufacturing job strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Manufacturing companies have become the largest source of new business<\/a> leads entering Hillsborough County, but Tampa converts those prospects into projects at a lower rate than other industries.<\/p>\n

The Tampa Bay Economic Development<\/a> Council says manufacturing now accounts for 36% of its project pipeline, more than any other industry sector. Manufacturing leads have increased 30% since 2020, according to materials prepared for a June 18 presentation to Tampa City Council.<\/p>\n

Yet only about 12% of manufacturing prospects ultimately choose the region, compared with a 24% close rate across other industries.<\/p>\n

For Craig Richard, president and chief executive of the Tampa Bay EDC, the problem is not attracting interest.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur closing rate on those manufacturing companies are small because we don\u2019t have the ecosystem to support manufacturing,\u201d Richard told members of the East Tampa Community Advisory Committee earlier this month.<\/p>\n

Richard said manufacturers often look for workforce-training programs, incubator space and education<\/a> pathways that support industrial jobs before committing to a location.<\/p>\n

Read the latest Tampa business news and updates<\/a><\/p>\n

The gap is shaping the EDC\u2019s strategy in East Tampa, where Richard says the city still has industrial land that can support manufacturers and related businesses.<\/p>\n

Rather than allowing redevelopment pressure to steadily consume industrial sites, the organization is pursuing a strategy focused on job creation, workforce development and industrial reinvestment along the Columbus Drive corridor.<\/p>\n

At the center of that effort is the proposed East Tampa Innovation Center, a project that would combine manufacturing incubation space, workforce training and business support services. Design and feasibility work is underway.<\/p>\n

The project is being advanced by Opportunity Tampa Bay Inc., an affiliate of the Tampa Bay EDC, in partnership with Integral Florida as part of a broader redevelopment initiative in the area.<\/p>\n

Richard said the proposal grew from concerns that East Tampa could lose industrial properties that provide opportunities for higher-paying jobs and long-term economic growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe thought, what you don\u2019t want is a corridor that\u2019s going to just completely encroach all the way up on these potential business sites and industrial sites, and then you lose an opportunity to create jobs,\u201d Richard said.<\/p>\n

Read the latest Tampa Real Estate news and updates<\/a><\/p>\n

Plans call for a mixed-use development that combines housing with workforce development and business support space. The innovation center would be designed to help launch companies that could eventually expand into nearby industrial properties and to connect local residents to manufacturing and construction careers.<\/p>\n

Attracting private investment remains a key piece of the strategy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think the first step in any of these revitalization efforts is to help capital feel safe to invest,\u201d Richard said.<\/p>\n

Richard said the goal is not simply to recruit manufacturers to Hillsborough County, but to create employment opportunities closer to East Tampa residents.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we\u2019re creating industrial properties or industrial manufacturing companies on the other side of the county, what good is it doing the community?\u201d Richard said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to start with an ecosystem.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read More Tampa Bay Business News<\/p>\n

\n Explore the latest Tampa Bay business news, real estate<\/a> deals, development projects, executive moves and company updates shaping the region.\n <\/p>\n

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