Taylor Made Group, a Bradenton-based supplier of marine and windshield products, acquired Ameritex Fabric Systems in 2009. The integration of Ameritex and Taylor Made Group occurred as a result of the marine industry's challenges during the global recession. Companies have become creative in an effort to stay afloat and diversification is one way Ameritex and Taylor Made Group are making advances.
Ameritex moved in to the Taylor Made facility and focuses on fabric-related products while Taylor Made centers around windshield design and manufacturing. This ability to collaborate and grow has led to Ameritex supplying canvas doors for
Chrysler Group Global Electric Motorcars LLC. There are six different models of battery-powered GEM cars that are primarily suited for intra-city use. This is one way that Ameritex is moving beyond the marine industry for opportunities, and they are also going to explore resort, consumer, recreational vehicle and golf cart industries.
"The Ameritex story exemplifies how companies in the marine industry are restructuring to survive and thrive," says Eric Basinger, executive director of the
Economic Development Council, a division of the
Manatee Chamber of Commerce.
The ability to open up to the restructuring of services is also opening the door for job opportunities. It is expected that Ameritex will hire for 10 to 20 manufacturing jobs in the next year.
Writer:
Nancy VaughnSource: Eric Basinger, Manatee Economic Development
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