Body Armor Company Point Blank Enterprises Adding Operations in Wakulla County

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that Point Blank Enterprises, a company that manufactures and designs body armor for law enforcement and military personnel, is expanding its operations into Wakulla County, creating 300 jobs.

"The expansion of Point Blank Enterprises to Wakulla County is a result of our ongoing commitment to infrastructure improvements and economic opportunity across Florida, including in our rural communities," DeSantis said. "We’re focused on making strategic investments that help the hard-working families of our great state achieve the American Dream."

The governor touted the economic news along with business leaders at a press conference in Crawfordville, a rural town about 25 minutes from Tallahassee. The largest producer of body armor in the United States, Point Blank's new facilities will encompass over 100,000 square feet for manufacturing in Wakulla’s Opportunity Park.

John Shuff, President of the Wakulla Economic Council, said the 300 new jobs will pay an average of $52,900. Shuff also said workers will get an additional $8,300 in employee benefits.

"These new Florida jobs will generate 38 million dollars in earnings directly from Point Blank, and they will also create an additional 213, I call them ripple effect jobs, for a total earning for our community of 46 million dollars, further strengthening and diversifying our economy," Shuff said.

“Today’s announcement is the first of its kind for Wakulla County, and won’t be the last,” Shuff added. “It will bring a major economic impact to our entire region.”

According to its LinkedIn page, Point Blank Enterprises employs up to 5,000 workers.

"We are committed to producing the most technologically advanced ballistic systems that not only offer superior protection but also optimum comfort in the most challenging environments," it said.

During his announcement, DeSantis said the state has added 100,000 manufacturing jobs since he became governor in 2018.

"You hear a lot of talk about this, obviously nationally. In Florida, we are showing how it's done," DeSantis said, who has highlighted the state's job growth this year. "This initiative that has now led to Point Blank being able to really produce some great jobs is a good example of how that works."