Octex plans job growth

SARASOTA — Octex, a plastic injection mold manufacturing firm based in Sarasota, continues to defy economic doldrums.

Its latest move, announced today by Sarasota County economic development officials, is to hire 80 employees by 2016. Octex will receive a $200,000 performance-based incentive grant for the expansion.

Founded in 1990, Octex has 61 employees and plans to add positions in administration and manufacturing, according to an Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County release. The firm currently occupies 33,000 square feet and will add 26,000 square feet at the same location.

Octex has clients in the consumer products, medical, aerospace and industrial industries. Sarasota native Jim Westman bought Octex in 2009, after a 20-year career in investment banking in Atlanta.

See Review Jan. 28, 2010: "Mold A Winner"