“We have existing businesses that are expanding, such as Highway Systems Inc. in Sumterville, which is adding 15,000 square feet of manufacturing space,” said Jada Glover, economic development director for Sumter County. Al Butler, chairman of the Board of Sumter County Commissioners, said he sees that trend continuing. The number of manufacturing employees has not returned to what it was before the recession hit. He worked as vice president of manufacturing for Conimar Group and helped the company move its manufacturing from China to Ocala. “As our population continues to rise, and reshoring and ‘Made In America’ strategies play a role, we will see more opportunities for growth in the manufacturing industry in our region,” she said.

Source: Daily Sun December 19, 2017 13:07 UTC