The U.S. Navy is a buyer of lighting products produced by Sarasota-based Sunovia Energy Technologies.
Companies in China and Europe are purchasing sizeable orders from Manatee County manufacturer Sun Hydraulics.
Eaton Corp. and Roper Industries both made major acquisitions this year to diversify their portfolios.
In the first half of 2010, the earnings of most publicly traded manufacturers in Manatee and Sarasota counties have significantly improved since 2009 — on par with a national trend. Manufacturing activity has increased for 14 straight months, according to the Institute for Supply Management. The industry trade group reported that the manufacturing index in September read 54.4. An index reading above 50 indicates growth.
And the trend continues. In the first seven months of 2010, manufacturing grew by about 8.5 percent.
Read the complete story at bradenton.com