Did you know that Lakeland’s top industries are manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, and tourism? According to the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, this variety of industries, combined with its quality of life, diverse culture, available skilled workforce, and low labor costs, sets Lakeland apart as a “business-friendly” city.
Manufacturing
Big names like Pepperidge Farm, Incorporated and Publix makes Lakeland a manufacturing boomtown. In fact, Lakeland is adding over 1 million-sqft of manufacturing + warehouse space yearly, equating to roughly 30 million-sqft overall.
Distribution
Swan City and Polk County have been referred to as the distribution heart of the state due to its accessibility via I-4, State Road 60, and US HWY 27. Distribution also does well here due to the local ports, railways, and airports. Big names that specialize in distribution include Amazon, Publix, and Ruthvens.
Healthcare
Lakeland is home to a blend of hospitals + brings new physicians to the area almost monthly. Big names like Lakeland Regional Health, Watson Clinic, and the new iteration of Orlando Health are just some of the residing organizations. Additionally, new healthcare innovations are on the horizon with Florida Polytechnic University students testing 3D printers to hopefully construct shields for healthcare workers in 2020.
Tourism
Polk County’s tourism industry employs 21,000 people and welcomes over 5 million visitors annually. . In Lakeland, attractions like Florida Southern College, aka the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture, draw in 60,000 visitors every year. Additional draws include events like the SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In and exhibits at Polk Museum of Art.
Other notable Lakeland industries include corporate HQ, financial services, data centers, the flavor and essences industry, software + IT, aviation, and life sciences, according to the Lakeland Economic Development Council.