October 2026

October Is Manufacturing Month

Florida Manufacturing Month kicks off on National Manufacturing Day, Friday, October 2, 2026. All month long, manufacturers across the Suncoast and Heartland are opening their doors so the next generation can see modern, high-tech manufacturing up close.

Hosting a plant tour or student event? Find planning guides, promotional materials, and the recorded “Get Ready for MFG Month” webinar.

Get Involved

#MFGDay26  #FLMFGMonth26

SAMA logo with counties

BUILD PLACES TO WORK — NOT JUST PLACES TO LIVE. THE WINDOW IS CLOSING.

Across the Suncoast and Heartland regions of Florida, manufacturing has emerged as a cornerstone of economic resilience, workforce stability, and land-use balance. SAMA exists to ensure manufacturers have a unified voice, real leverage, and a seat at the table where long-term decisions are made.

When regions build places for people to live without places to work, the consequences are permanent. Manufacturing changes that trajectory — if we act in time.

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Our Value

Providing manufacturers with the tools they need to increase productivity and growth through our 4 pillars of Advocacy, Workforce Initiatives, Networking, and Resources.

Our Mission

To improve the quality of life in the Suncoast and Heartland communities through the advancement of manufacturing.

Our Vision

Have the Suncoast and Heartland regions be an integral part of Florida's goal of producing more output per manufacturing worker (productivity) than any other state in the nation.

Upcoming SAMA and statewide events

From educational seminars, webinars, and workshops, to plant tours and workforce events, we help manufacturers learn best practices, make peer-to-peer connections, match needs with resource experts, and help build talent pipelines.

Our events are open to all SAMA members and invited manufacturing guests.

Advocacy Efforts for you! 

SAMA, other regional manufacturing associations, and our state MEP, FloridaMakes, are advocating for Manufacturing Bills SB 528 and HB 483 to be reintroduced and passed in Tallahassee during the 2027 legislative session, bringing you:

  • a dedicated Chief Manufacturing Officer for the state of Florida
  • a Made In Florida campaign
  • grant funding to provide technical assistance

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Get manufacturing news, event invites, and advocacy updates from SAMA — straight to your inbox.

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Hiring? We’ve Got You Covered

Browse open positions from SAMA members, or post your own opening to reach manufacturers across the Suncoast and Heartland regions.

View Job Postings

SAMA Manufacturing members are able to make their own job postings. Unsure how? Contact Us.