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Thinking about a career in healthcare or manufacturing? What if we told you that you can do both?

A sector called healthcare manufacturing exists and is growing rapidly around the world—and will inevitably need more talent. From contact lenses to medical devices for facial surgery and much more, this sector produces equipment that make healthcare happen.

A recent study by KPMG projects that medical device manufacturing will reach nearly $800 billion in annual sales globally by 2030 and grow at 5% per year. In short, that means more manufacturing, more jobs and more career opportunities. If you are a student, adult learner or veteran looking to pursue a career that will lead to exponential growth and have a positive impact, then healthcare manufacturing could be a fit for you.

Healthcare manufacturing has a strong presence right here in Northeast Florida. We have a rich economy of both advanced manufacturing and life sciences, which creates the perfect setting for healthcare manufacturing. Take a look at what’s happening here and if you see a future career path for you.

Company Spotlights:

JOHNSON & JOHNSON VISION

A part of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, Johnson & Johnson Vision is headquartered right here in Jacksonville. The company has built facilities locally for both research and development as well as manufacturing. The company employs more than 3,500 people across the region. They proudly support our veteran community, as 75% of the company’s manufacturing team are current or former military personnel.

Johnson & Johnson Vision makes a range of products, from eye drops for dry eyes to lenses for cataract surgery. One of Johnson & Johnson Vision’s most notable products is the ACUVUE® contact lens, which was the world’s first disposable soft contact lens. For those already in the eye care field, Johnson & Johnson Institute’s Jacksonville location provides hands-on training for professionals. Their innovative products and passion for educating providers and patients push Johnson & Johnson Vision to the forefront of the eye health and healthcare manufacturing industries.

ZIMMER BIOMET CMF and THORACIC

Zimmer Biomet has been a global medical technology leader for over 90 years. They have offices in more than 25 countries and deliver products globally. Of all possible locations, Zimmer Biomet chose Jacksonville as its market to focus its production of CMF (Craniomaxillofacial) and Thoracic equipment. Simply put, this equipment, made in Jacksonville, helps stabilize the chest wall and sternum, provides stability during heart surgeries, aids in the treatment of rib fractures and more.

Zimmer Biomet’s research shows that their products provide a faster healing process and minimize complications in the patient. They are instrumental in elevating the medical device manufacturing industry across the world.

KLS MARTIN LP

Through dedication, precision and care, KLS Martin strives to develop medical products that inspire users and create solutions. Their focus is on surgical innovation, and they create devices that can be used in almost every surgical procedure.

KLS Martin LP was established in Jacksonville in 1993 as the North American headquarters. Currently in North America, they sell products for craniomaxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery and neurosurgery. While their Jacksonville operations started as marketing and sales, they also perform key development and production activities here. Through their work in Jacksonville, they are able to provide customized solutions for their partners across the continent.

MEDTRONIC

Medtronic is a global leader in healthcare technology, leveraging AI and other technology to achieve medical solutions. For more than 25 years, Medtronic’s Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) operations have been headquartered in Jacksonville, where it employs more than 600 professionals. Medtronic was named the Employer of the Year by FloridaMakes in 2022 and 2023 for their efforts in advancing the Florida manufacturing economy.

The Medtronic ENT campus in Jacksonville houses the full spectrum of healthcare manufacturing—from ideation to development to distribution. The Jacksonville manufacturing facility produces and distributes approximately 2.67 million units of product each year. In addition, surgeons come to Medtronic’s Jacksonville campus for ongoing training at their state-of-the-art medical education lab. They succeed as the largest ENT-focused direct sales organization in the industry and continue to elevate the region and state.

 

The Jacksonville region continues to excel as a hub for healthcare manufacturing. Northeast Florida’s ideal location for logistics paired with an excellent talent pipeline from local universities positions it to attract even more healthcare manufacturing companies. Job opportunities will continue to increase as the field grows, which creates a bright future for those who choose to pursue this career pathway. Is it a good fit for you?