Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance celebrates fiscal year 2025 with major job growth and company expansions across Broward County

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Broward County’s leading public-private partnership for economic development, celebrated a year of impressive accomplishments at its 2025 Annual Meeting, held on Thursday, Oct. 9 at the War Memorial Auditorium. Sponsored by Amazon, the Florida Panthers, and PMI US, the event drew more than 600 business and community leaders, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and even take photos with the Stanley Cup during the private gathering.

During the meeting, the Alliance shared its Fiscal Year 2025 achievements, highlighting a robust period of economic growth for Broward County. The organization reported assisting businesses in creating 716 new high-value jobs, retaining 211 existing positions, and securing over $139 million in new capital investment across multiple industries. These accomplishments reflect the county’s continuing success in attracting new companies, expanding existing operations, and enhancing the region’s economic footprint.

In addition to celebrating past achievements, the Alliance also announced a major life sciences project slated for Fiscal Year 2026. Global pharmaceutical leader Lupin plans to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Coral Springs. This facility will anchor the company’s U.S. production of critical respiratory therapies and is expected to generate more than 200 long-term skilled jobs by 2030. With a cumulative investment exceeding $250 million, Lupin’s new facility will bolster domestic manufacturing, strengthen supply chain resilience, and improve access to essential medicines. The plant will have the capacity to produce over 25 critical respiratory medicines, further positioning Broward County as a hub for life sciences innovation.

The Fiscal Year 2025 successes highlighted several key projects across diverse industries. CTS Engines, a global leader in mature aviation engine maintenance, officially opened a 216,000-square-foot Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Engine Hub facility in Coral Springs on Sept. 24. Serving as the company’s global headquarters, the new facility more than doubles CTS Engines’ space and output capacity. With Alliance support, CTS Engines created 41 new high-skill jobs and invested $2.5 million in capital improvements, complementing the $17 million expansion announced in 2024 that created 125 positions. CEO Bill Kircher emphasized the global significance of the facility: “This is the only new engine center in the world purpose-built to overhaul, repair, and test legacy engines. With a total capacity of up to 200 engines a year, this facility and the CTS team are focused on supporting our global customer base, both commercial and military, with world-class quality and turnaround times.”

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Other notable expansions included Decoral System USA, pioneers in decorative powder coating technology, which opened a 56,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Coral Springs, creating 50 new jobs. ESG (Event Services Group), a provider of décor and services for special events, relocated to a 66,000-square-foot facility in Fort Lauderdale, expanding production warehouse and office space while adding another 50 jobs with a $1 million capital investment.

In the aviation and technology sectors, several projects reflected Broward County’s diversified growth. Fly Legacy, a pilot training company, retained five jobs by relocating to a 3,000-square-foot classroom, office, and hangar space at Sheltair in Pompano Airpark. Similarly, NakAI Robotics, an Israeli manufacturer of autonomous robots for ship hull inspection and cleaning, opened a 2,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Fort Lauderdale, creating five new jobs and investing $300,000. In the pharmaceutical manufacturing space, Pherros Biosciences in Deerfield Beach is executing a multi-phase expansion that will enable the production of up to 100,000 units of new and generic injectable medicines, further solidifying Broward County’s position in life sciences production.

The Alliance’s initiatives are designed to support Broward County’s long-term economic growth and attract high-value industries that create meaningful employment opportunities. By combining resources from both public and private sectors, the organization continues to ensure that the county remains competitive nationally and globally. Steven Wasserman of Colliers and Chris Metzger of Cushman & Wakefield played key roles in facilitating the CTS Engines expansion, demonstrating the importance of collaboration between the Alliance, companies, and commercial real estate partners in driving economic outcomes.

Alliance leadership emphasized the broader impact of these achievements on the local economy. The creation of over 700 jobs and significant capital investment not only boosts employment opportunities but also strengthens the county’s tax base, supports ancillary businesses, and fosters innovation across sectors. These developments underscore Broward County’s continued appeal to companies seeking strategic locations with strong infrastructure, access to talent, and a business-friendly environment.

The Annual Meeting also highlighted the Alliance’s ongoing commitment to innovation, workforce development, and quality of life in the region. By focusing on high-growth industries such as aviation, life sciences, manufacturing, and technology, the Alliance is positioning Broward County as a hub for emerging sectors, capable of supporting both domestic and international business operations. The Lupin project, in particular, illustrates the county’s growing influence in pharmaceutical manufacturing and the life sciences, with a facility that will not only produce vital respiratory therapies but also provide long-term, skilled career opportunities for residents.

The Fiscal Year 2025 accomplishments reflect the strategic vision of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance to attract, retain, and expand companies that drive economic prosperity. By facilitating new investments and expansions, assisting companies in navigating relocation or growth processes, and fostering a collaborative environment between private and public entities, the Alliance continues to deliver tangible benefits to businesses and communities throughout Broward County.

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Looking ahead, the Alliance plans to build on these successes by targeting industries that offer high-value jobs, innovative technologies, and strong growth potential. Through ongoing collaboration with corporate partners, local government, and economic development organizations, the Alliance seeks to enhance Broward County’s reputation as a premier location for business and innovation. The combination of strategic site selection, workforce readiness, and public-private collaboration ensures that future projects will continue to generate economic impact and community benefits.

By celebrating the achievements of Fiscal Year 2025 and announcing transformative projects for 2026, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance demonstrates its unwavering commitment to economic development, workforce advancement, and the creation of long-term opportunities for Broward County residents. As the region continues to attract high-value companies, expand its industry base, and foster a culture of innovation, the Alliance’s efforts serve as a model for public-private collaboration in driving economic growth and strengthening communities.

With strong leadership, strategic investments, and continued partnerships across sectors, Broward County is poised to see sustained growth in jobs, capital investment, and industry diversification in the years to come. The Alliance’s work ensures that the county remains not only competitive but also a destination where businesses thrive and residents benefit from expanded opportunities, making the region a hub of economic vitality and innovation.