President and owner Aubrey Greene revealed that Tampa Brass & Aluminum is investing $58 million in new machinery and equipment to expand its Hillsborough County headquarters. The expansion will add 50 jobs to the Tampa Bay area, reinforcing the region’s role in the nation’s defense supply chain.
Local investment and job growth
The nearly 70‑year‑old company, founded in 1957, is upgrading its facilities with automation, additive manufacturing and robotics to increase efficiency and capacity. “We’re really focused on implementing manufacturing 4.0 and smart manufacturing efficiencies,” said Maria Long, vice president of strategy and operations. “While we’re going to increase headcount, a big focus for us is increasing efficiency and capacity through the use of automation, additive manufacturing and robotics.”
Defense contracts drive expansion
Recent military contract awards have spurred the project, which will support the production of missiles, submarine components and other mission‑critical assets for the U.S. Air Force and Navy. The company also serves commercial customers such as Outback Steakhouse, showing the breadth of its manufacturing capabilities.
Commitment to the Tampa Bay community
Greene emphasized that quality of life, a diverse culture and proximity to Tampa International Airport were key factors in keeping the expansion local. “There’s a lot of growth in Tampa and there’s a lot of involvement and engagement from the county and the business community as a whole,” he said. The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council praised the move, noting it as a testament to the strength and diversity of Hillsborough County’s manufacturing sector.
Workforce development and hiring
Tampa Brass & Aluminum is actively recruiting for roles including non‑destructive testing technicians and supervisors, quality control inspectors, welding inspectors and nuclear engineering technicians. The company’s long‑standing internship partnership with the University of South Florida provides local young talent with critical, hands‑on experience.
Future outlook
While the firm is exploring out‑of‑state investment opportunities, Greene stressed that the primary focus remains on the Tampa Bay region. The expansion not only creates jobs but also positions the area as a hub for advanced manufacturing that supports the nation’s defense needs.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
