Granex, Inc. Breaks Ground On New Manufacturing Facility

August 16, 2013

Project expected to generate up to 50 new jobs and $6 million in capital investment
 
TAMPA, Fla./Granex, Inc. breaks ground today on a new manufacturing facility in Hillsborough County.  The $6 million development, located at 5101 E. Diana Street, Tampa, will process granite and marble slabs from imported raw materials and create up to 50 new jobs upon completion.
 
“This facility will be a ‘first-of-its-kind’ for the domestic engineering of granite and marble slabs,” said Raj Emandi, President of Granex, Inc.  “Once operational, we’ll begin to distribute the product within the U.S., as well as export to Europe, Central and South America.”
 
Construction is projected to last approximately two months, with hiring taking place in late September or early October.  The company will seek both skilled and entry-level workers in positions that include production, machine operation, shipping and receivables, and sales and marketing.
 
“It’s exciting to see the American manufacturing industry continue to rebound, throughout the country and at home,” said the Hon. Ken Hagan, Chairman of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commission.  “We congratulate Granex on its growth and look forward to the arrival of another product we can proudly acknowledge as made in Tampa Bay.”
 
Project assistance was provided by local economic development partners, including Hillsborough County, the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and the Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance.
 
“Our community offers an abundance of assets, resources and support for area manufacturers, and the success of companies like Granex help us tell that story,” said David Pizzo, Chair of the Tampa Hillsborough EDC and Market President, West Florida Region for Florida Blue, Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield company.  “This industry is gaining momentum, and we believe the outlook is positive for future expansions and opportunity.”
 
About the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation:
The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation (tampabayedc.com) is the lead economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace.  Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC drives job creation and capital investment through the recruitment, expansion and retention of economic base businesses in Hillsborough County.