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Our Vision
Strengthen and Grow Manufacturing in Northeast Florida
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Our Mission
To be the regional authority and resource for manufacturers, encouraging streamlined processes, eliminating unnecessary barriers to manufacturers, creating pathways for skilled workforce, and promoting public awareness of manufacturing’s significance.
In the mid-1980’s, local manufacturing companies were confronted with a mayor and local media that was determined to run manufacturing off the First Coast. Industry leaders decided that they needed to unite and protect their collective interests. A formal announcement launching the First Coast Manufacturers Association was made on February 27, 1989.
By the end of our first year, membership had grown to 32 manufacturers. Our successful “Keep Max in Jax” campaign, to prevent the closure of Maxwell House’s plant in Jacksonville, was among the first causes taken up by FCMA. In 1990, a new Partner Membership was created for companies who provided services that supported manufacturing firms. This allowed FCMA to grow even faster, and by 1992 membership had reached 100 firms. Today, the First Coast Manufacturers Association is made up of nearly 300 companies.
A non-profit trade association, the mission of the FCMA has remained constant: to serve manufacturers. We save members time and money through advocacy, networking and resources – providing workforce development training, fostering networking and business relationships through committees and special events, and continuing to be a respected voice in local, state and federal government.