Blue Line Associates’ HQ relocation, Cott Corp.’s expansion add 210 new jobs to Hillsborough County

January 19, 2017

Friday the 13th gets a bad rap for being an unlucky day, but it was an auspicious one for our community. On that date last week, Governor Scott announced two EDC projects – a corporate relocation and existing business expansion – that together will add more than 200 new high-wage jobs and $2.8 million in capital investment in Tampa and Hillsborough County.

Professional services firm BlueLine Associates (BLA) announced its decision to relocate its global headquarters from Cary, North Carolina to Tampa, creating 150 new jobs and investing $2 million in our market. BLA, which already has an office in Tampa, will move its financial, legal, and human resources groups here as well, and hire new headquarters positions paying an average annual wage of $71,909.

“This move gives us access to Florida’s strong talent pool and allows us to continue the strategic expansion of our business,” said Rocky Silvestri, president of BlueLine Associates, which was recognized on the “Best Places to Work” lists of both Consulting Magazine and the Triangle Business Journal in 2015 and 2016. “Our company culture is at the core of our business success, our client’s satisfaction, and the happiness of our people. We are excited to bring those guiding principles to Tampa.”

Local beverage producer and distributor Cott Corporation has also decided to expand its headquarters in Hillsborough County, adding 60 new jobs and investing $800,000 in the community.

With more than 12,000 employees worldwide, Cott maintains operations in 20 different countries and develops and manufactures beverage concentrates that are exported to approximately 50 countries.

“Cott has undergone a significant and positive transformation in recent years including acquisitions such as DS Services, Aquaterra, Eden Springs and most recently, S&D Coffee and Tea,” said Jerry Fowden, CEO, Cott Corporation. “As we grow, we continue to strive to be an employer of choice in the Florida and Tampa market. Tampa has been a very good location for our global headquarters, offering a workforce whose skills align with our business needs. That makes this region increasingly attractive to us.”

Best of luck to BlueLine Associates and Cott Corporation as they chart their next phase of growth in Tampa and Hillsborough County!