Shutter maker wins manufacturing award

FORT MYERS — Shutter maker Storm Smart recently won the manufacturer of the year award from the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association.

The Fort Myers-based company won the award in the category of companies with more than 100 employees. Storm Smart, one of the Business Observer's 500 largest companies on the Gulf Coast, posted revenues of $37.5 million in 2014, up 25% over 2013.

“Southwest Florida is becoming better known for its manufacturing growth, and we're proud to be on the leading edge of our industry,” says Storm Smart's founder and CEO, Brian Rist, in a statement. “While manufacturing jobs account for a little less than 2.5% of all employment in the region, we are seeing more interest as manufacturers realize Southwest Florida is a good fit for their operation.”