Chromalloy, a company based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, has been named the winner of the first Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition for its jet engine blades. The announcement was made during the Future of Florida Forum and Florida Chamber Annual Meeting in Orlando.
Chromalloy produces FAA-approved jet engine replacement parts for high-pressure turbine sections of aerospace engines. The company designs these components in Palm Beach Gardens, casts them in Tampa, and machines and coats them in Oldsmar.
The Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition is organized by the Florida Chamber of Commerce to highlight innovation and economic contributions from manufacturers across the state. According to Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce: “This contest is an important way to spotlight the creativity and dedication that define Florida manufacturers. The Florida Chamber is honored to recognize companies that are creating jobs, advancing innovation, and helping achieve the goals of the Florida 2030 Blueprint — including making Florida a Top 5 manufacturing state by 2030.”
Jason Mahon, Deputy Secretary of Economic Development & Chief Manufacturing Officer for FloridaCommerce, said: “Florida manufacturers are showing the nation what makes our state a leader in innovation and job creation. This competition shines a spotlight on the talent, creativity, and products that are driving our economy and putting Florida on the map for manufacturing excellence.”
The inaugural year saw more than 400,000 votes cast by Floridians over several rounds of online voting. The process began with dozens of nominations from across the state which were narrowed down through four rounds to two finalists before Chromalloy was announced as winner.
Chris Celtruda, CEO of Chromalloy stated: “We are deeply honored to be named the inaugural winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition. This recognition reflects the dedication and ingenuity of the entire Chromalloy workforce—especially our teams in Tampa Bay and Palm Beach Gardens—whose commitment to innovation and excellence continues to shape our industry and strengthen Florida’s manufacturing legacy. We’re proud to make Florida a cornerstone of our strategic growth and to build products that embody both cutting-edge technology and the spirit of our state.”
Florida’s manufacturing sector employs more than 430,000 people statewide with annual exports exceeding $72 billion. The sector has grown significantly; currently, it ranks tenth nationally for manufacturing employment—placing it ahead of Georgia—and is working toward becoming one of the top five states for manufacturing jobs by 2030.
For further details about this competition or information on all finalists visit www.CoolestThingMadeInFlorida.com.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce serves as an advocate for business interests throughout the state by bringing together employers and associations with a focus on economic opportunity.
Chromalloy provides engineering and manufacturing services mainly for aerospace engines as well as industrial gas turbines. More information can be found at www.chromalloy.com.
