Manufacturers are distinguished by the markets they supply. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) supply parts directly to vehicle assembly plants for direct use in the manufacture of automobiles. The aftermarket parts manufacturers make replacement parts. One hundred large manufacturers of both original equipment and aftermarket parts are responsible for the greatest percentage of industry sales. Jacksonville has an ideal location because of its access to ports and three major interstates.

Why Jacksonville?

The Southeast is the fastest-growing market in the United States. And Florida contains over half of the population in the Southeast. With its access to deep-water ports and three major interstates, Jacksonville is a prime Southeastern location for automotive parts and accessories distribution. General Motors, for example, chose Jacksonville as the site to develop their 360,000-square-foot dealer parts distribution center, which services Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. Southeast Toyota, also located here, is the largest distributor in the nation.

Workforce

Duval (Jacksonville) is one of two counties in Florida that currently has a positive absolute growth in manufacturing. With a flexible, mission-oriented labor force, Jacksonville is known for its high work ethic. Less than 2 percent of the manufacturing industry here is unionized. Northeast Florida is a high in-migration area, and it's easy to attract employees to jobs in Jacksonville.

Manufacturing Companies in Jacksonville
( this list is non-comprehensive )