Maruka USA, which makes Toyo injection molding machines and metalworking equipment, joined with 5 Nines Automation, a manufacturers' representative firm in Florida,at a roundtable discussion of Florida state legislators at Maruka's new technical center in Largo, Fla.
Subjects included Sales Tax Exemption Bill HB 707, passed in May, which exempts Florida manufacturers from paying sales and use tax when purchasing certain types of machinery. Roundtable members also discussed reasons why the bill was a temporary measure and should it extend beyond a scheduled expiration on April 30, 2017, Florida's tangible personal property tax, the state's vocational education system and other incentives are available to stimulate manufacturing growth in Florida.
Legislators who participated in the roundtable were state representatives Larry Ahearn, James Grant, Ed Hooper and Kathleen Powers.
“We want Florida to be recognized as the ‘Silicon Valley' for manufacturing business and innovation,” said Steven Fage, founder of 5 Nines Automation, which has been working with Maruka USA to implement robotics at customers for about two years.
Maruka USA, based in Pine Brook, N.J, is talking with St. Petersburg College in Florida to allow the Largo tech center to be used for a manufacturing curriculum now under development.
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