Sun Hydraulics Named a 2025 Florida Manufacturing Employer of Choice
Helios Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: HLIO), a global leader in highly engineered motion control and electronic controls technology, announced that its operating company, Sun Hydraulics, has been recognized as a 2025 Florida Manufacturing Employer of Choice. The honor was presented during the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit held on October 22, 2025, in Orlando, Florida — an event that celebrates organizations demonstrating excellence in workforce engagement, operational culture, and manufacturing innovation.
The recognition marks an important milestone for Sun Hydraulics, reinforcing its reputation as not only a pioneer in precision hydraulic and motion control systems but also as a company that deeply values its people. Over the years, Sun Hydraulics has cultivated a workplace environment rooted in trust, continuous improvement, and empowerment — qualities that have helped it stand out among Florida’s leading manufacturing employers.
A Culture Built on People and Purpose
“Sun Hydraulics being recognized as a Florida Manufacturer Employer of Choice is a reflection of the culture we’re building together across Helios,” said Rick Martich, President of Sun Hydraulics & Motion Control Technology. “It reinforces our commitment to honesty, excellence, and continuous learning—where innovation thrives, people take ownership, and we work together to create meaningful solutions for our teams, customers, and communities.”
This statement captures the foundation of Sun Hydraulics’ success: a culture that places people first. The company’s values — integrity, collaboration, innovation, and excellence — guide every level of its operations. Whether it’s in the design of advanced motion control components or the mentorship of new employees, Sun Hydraulics has consistently demonstrated that its human capital is its greatest strength.
The Employer of Choice Journey
The Florida Manufacturing Employer of Choice recognition is part of a statewide initiative that spotlights companies excelling in workforce engagement and leadership. Participating organizations undergo a rigorous assessment that evaluates their policies, practices, and performance across several dimensions, including:
- Employee engagement and satisfaction
- Leadership development and communication
- Compensation, benefits, and work-life balance
- Innovation, learning, and professional growth opportunities
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
For Sun Hydraulics, this recognition was not just about earning a title — it was about benchmarking its culture against the best in the industry. The company approached the assessment as a chance to gain valuable insights into its workforce dynamics and to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
The comprehensive Employer of Choice report provided actionable feedback that will help Sun Hydraulics strengthen its internal programs, refine existing policies, and introduce new initiatives aimed at nurturing long-term employee engagement.
Investing in People, Strengthening the Future
Sun Hydraulics’ approach to workforce development has long been proactive. The company places a strong emphasis on skills training, cross-functional collaboration, and leadership development to prepare its employees for evolving industry needs. Continuous learning is encouraged at every level, from entry-level technicians to senior engineers and managers.
Through Helios Technologies’ global network, employees also have access to broader opportunities for professional growth, including international collaborations and exposure to cutting-edge technologies in motion control and electronic systems. This Helio global connection enriches the learning experience while ensuring that Sun Hydraulics remains competitive in a rapidly changing manufacturing landscape.
“Being an Employer of Choice is about more than recognition — it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, challenged, and inspired,” said Martich. “When our people thrive, our customers and communities thrive as well.”
Community and Collaboration at the Core
Sun Hydraulics’ impact extends beyond its factory floors. The company actively participates in community development initiatives and collaborates with local educational institutions to promote STEM education and manufacturing careers. By engaging with local schools, colleges, and workforce organizations, Sun Hydraulics is helping cultivate the next generation of manufacturing professionals.
Its longstanding partnerships with FloridaMakes and the Sarasota-Manatee Area Manufacturers Association (SAMA) have also played an instrumental role in its 55-year journey. These collaborations have provided valuable resources, access to training programs, and shared best practices that have helped Sun Hydraulics enhance operational efficiency, improve workforce readiness, and sustain a culture of innovation.
Driving Manufacturing Excellence
For more than five decades, Sun Hydraulics has been synonymous with engineering precision and manufacturing excellence. Its products — hydraulic cartridge valves, manifolds, and integrated systems — are trusted across industries including construction, agriculture, marine, and industrial automation. But beyond technical achievement, it is the Helio company’s people-first philosophy that drives its enduring success.
The Employer of Choice award adds to a growing list of recognitions that highlight Sun Hydraulics’ leadership not only in technology but also in workplace culture. This achievement reinforces the company’s position as a model for how manufacturers can balance innovation with employee well-being.
Continuing the Momentum
Looking ahead, Sun Hydraulics plans to leverage the findings from the Employer of Choice report to further strengthen its organizational culture. Initiatives on the horizon Helio include enhanced employee recognition programs, expanded career development pathways, and new wellness initiatives designed to promote work-life balance.
Helios Technologies continues to support these efforts through strategic investments in digital transformation, automation, and sustainability — ensuring that Sun Hydraulics remains both an industry leader and a great place to work.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
The recognition as a 2025 Florida Manufacturing Employer of Choice serves as both a validation and a motivation for Sun Hydraulics. It underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive, empowering, and growth-oriented workplace — one that values every individual’s contribution and encourages innovation at all levels.
As Sun Hydraulics celebrates this achievement, it reaffirms its dedication to advancing manufacturing excellence while supporting its employees, customers, and the Helio communities it serves. Through its people-driven approach, the company continues to set a standard for what it means to be a true Employer of Choice in Florida’s dynamic manufacturing landscape.
About Sun Hydraulics
Founded in 1970, Sun Hydraulics is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance screw-in hydraulic cartridge valves and manifolds that control force, speed, and motion as integral components in fluid power systems. As a global operating company, Helio Sun Hydraulics has continually enhanced its manufacturing capabilities and technological advancements, all while prioritizing the accustomed quality that customers around the world have come to expect. For more information please visit: www.sunhydraulics.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
About Helios Technologies
Helios Technologies is a global leader in highly engineered motion control and electronic controls technology for diverse end markets, including construction, material handling, agriculture, energy, recreational vehicles, marine and health and wellness. Helios sells its products to customers in over 90 countries around the world. Its Helio strategy for growth is to be the leading provider in niche markets, with premier products and solutions through innovative product development and acquisition. The Company has paid a cash dividend to its shareholders every quarter since becoming a public company in 1997
Source Link: https://www.businesswire.com/
