A state investment is set to bring 300 new, high-wage manufacturing jobs to Wakulla County. Governor Ron DeSantis announced today that Point Blank Enterprises, a leading manufacturer of protective body armor for law enforcement and military personnel, will be expanding its operations to a new facility in the area.
The expansion is the result of an $8 million investment from the state, channeled through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and the Rural Infrastructure Fund. This funding has been instrumental in the development of a new 118,000-square-foot manufacturing facility located at Opportunity Park.
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“The expansion of Point Blank Enterprises to Wakulla County is result of ongoing commitment to infrastructure improvements and economic opportunity across Florida, including in our rural communities,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We’re focused on making strategic investments that help the hard-working families of our great state achieve the American Dream.”
The new positions are projected to offer an average annual wage of $52,900, supplemented by over $8,000 in benefits. The state’s initial investment includes a $3.5 million grant awarded in April 2025 and a prior $4.5 million from the Rural Infrastructure Fund in December 2024.
Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly praised the collaborative effort, stating, “This investment is the direct result of the dedication, collaboration, and vision of incredible partners… who worked tirelessly to bring Point Blank Enterprises to Opportunity Park.”
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The project has garnered substantial local and regional support, including a $13.5 million contribution from Triumph Gulf Coast and a $500,000 investment from the University of West Florida’s Haas Center for economic research and workforce planning. The combined efforts are anticipated to generate over $13 million in regional economic impact and more than $64 million in wages.
Daniel Gaston, CEO of Point Blank Enterprises, Inc., expressed enthusiasm for the new facility. “We are incredibly excited to establish our new facility in Opportunity Park and to become a part of the Wakulla County community,” he said.
Gaston highlighted plans to partner with Florida State University’s High-Performance Materials Institute (HPMI) and the Wakulla School District’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, aiming to foster innovation and contribute to the region’s prosperity.
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