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Logistics & Supply Chain Management

We know everyone boasts about their strategic location, but we think we’ve got one up on our competitors. Keep reading to find out why!

Sophisticated Distribution Locations

  • Polk County is the only Southeast location which offers to two international airports within an hour’s drive  – Tampa and Orlando
  • Polk County is home to four general aviation airports with runways ranging from 3,999 feet to 8,500 feet
  • Polk County is intersected by Interstate 4, the Polk County Parkway, State Road 60, and Highway 27 and has easy access to Interstate 75 on the west and 95 on the east
  • Polk County is the geographic center of the state, a location which offers numerous opportunities for its companies to take advantage of major roadways, airports, and deepwater ports for domestic and international trade
  • Polk County is well served with rail lines. In fact, Polk County has more rail miles than any other community in Florida

Intermodal Projects

  • CSX Integrated Logistics Center – 1,250 acres of Industrial and Business Park Center properties are planned to meet the container needs of businesses throughout the U.S.

Global Goods Movement

RFID Technology

  • Franwell is a technology company dedicated to the development of leading-edge products and services with a focus on supply chain solutions and RFID integration. They work to develop unique RFID software applications and products, and undertakes custom development and integration for clients
  • Blueye, LLC develops high-security, temperature-regulated shipping containers used to transport vaccines and other valuable pharmaceuticals
  • The University of South Florida Polytechnic’s College of Innovation and Technology researches RFID use in logistics to ensure safe and timely transport of products

Deepwater Port Integration

  • Port Canaveral moves over 3 million short tons of bulk cargo each year. It has conveyors and hoppers for loading products directly into trucks and facilities for bulk cargo containers. It offers 750,000 SF of covered freight storage capacity and is among the largest general purpose FTZs in the nation  – over 5 square miles
  • The Port of Tampa is Florida’s largest cargo tonnage port, handling almost every imaginable commodity in the world. Tampa is one of nation’s largest ports, covering 5,000 acres, and serves as the petroleum and energy gateway for West/Central Florida. It is also one of the world’s premier fertilizer ports and one of the top shipbuilding and repair centers in the Southeast
  • Port of Jacksonville handles more than 16 million tons each year. It handles dry and liquid bulk, breakbulk, vehicle (Ro/Ro), and containerized cargo as well as over-sized and specialty cargoes and offers 18 container cranes. It also boasts on-dock refrigerated and freezer warehousing. It enjoys a Foreign Trade Zone status and is located at the crossroads of 3 major railroads (CSX, Norfolk Southern, Florida East Coast Railway) and 3 interstate highways (I-10, 75, 95)
  • Port Manatee is one of Florida’s largest ports and is the closest U.S. deepwater seaport to Panama Canal. Approximately 9 million tons of containerized, breakbulk, bulk and project cargo is moved each year and serves as the Southeast’s leading forestry products importer. There is nearly 1.5 miles of berthing for ships and it is located near Interstates 4, 75, and 295; and US Highways 41, 19, and 301. Port Manatee’s Class III railroad connects to CSX rail lines
Testimonials
"The county's business environment and the ongoing support of the CFDC have helped us achieve [our] goal for many years and we look forward to our continued partnership."
- Charles Matthews, VP Operations, Florida's Natural Growers
"We initially targeted Polk County because of its obvious logistical advantages, but we were immediately impressed by the tremendous support and cooperation we received from the CFDC. A building can be built anywhere, but what makes a project...successful is a cooperative relationship with community leaders and the availability of a dedicated and reliable workforce."
- David Behm, VP, Aldi Inc.
"From a personal and business perspective, being new to Polk County has been a very positive experience. We are excited to live and work in Polk County and look forward to what the future has to bring in terms of growth and opportunities."
- Stacy Hackworth, Facility Manager, Ferguson
"We found the economic development atmosphere and support from Polk County to be a true asset in our decision to locate our new, state-of-the-art facility in Lakeland. When you are building the most advanced manufacturing facility your industry has ever seen, you have to have confidence in the long-term commitment of the community. We found just that in Polk County and are pleased to be one of their newest business neighbors and partners."
- Ross Dalton, President, GTECH Printing Corporation
"In 1962, State Farm opened its doors in Winter Haven, which is now our Florida headquarters. We are so proud to be a part of this great Polk County community. Polk County provides State Farm with a workforce that brings diverse talents and experiences to provide the quality service our State Farm customers expect and deserve."
- Jim Thompson, Sr. Vice President, State Farm Insurance