Services SBU

Economically and environmentally friendly, PRIDE’s tire retreading industry is highly regulated using a 12-step assurance and inspection testing process that has enabled the industry to receive an “A” rating by the National Tire Dealers and Retreaders’ Association. PRIDE Tire Retread is a leader in recycling rubber products as part of its eco-friendly initiatives.

PRIDE Tire has continued to improve their processes and streamline production. Four new inspection machines were added; two are used for initial inspection of the tire casings before they are put into the production line and two are used to ensure quality during the final inspection process.  The inventory control system was revamped and overall inventory was reduced by approximately 25%.

Inmate workers can receive certification from the Florida Department of Education in over 20 occupations including Chamber Operation, Chemical Inventory Control, Tire Finisher & Inspector, and Tire Inspector. Training includes Tire Inspection, Repair, Building and Curing, Quality Assurance, Material Handling, Forklift Operation, Shipping & Receiving.

The PRIDE Optical Lab recently purchased a new edger machine that enables lenses to be grooved for rimless frames. Previously, these types of lenses would have to be processed by an outside lab. Over 100,000 pairs of glasses are manufactured every year by the trainees at PRIDE Optical.

At one of two locations with a female inmate population, trainees in the PRIDE program at Broward CI learn about all aspects of the manufacture of eyeglasses to prescription. PRIDE Optical is a selective provider for Medicaid recipients and possesses all licenses and certifications required for Optical Lab certification.  PRIDE Optical inmate workers are certified by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and the Florida Department of Education and receive certified training in eight different programs including Optical Surface Technician, Optical Finishing Technician, Optical Surfacing Technician, Accounting Clerk and Computer Operator. These and other operations require specialized skills in which the inmate workers are trained. 

The attained skill and knowledge of the CDT is highly desirable to laboratories. Having this certification provides the dental technician with the advantage of higher salary and job satisfaction. The knowledge gained by the CDT during the certification process assures the laboratory owner, dental customer and the public that this individual is a true student of the profession and is committed to excellence. 

PRIDE Dental Lab exceeded the 2009 annual sales budget with robust sales despite production limitations due to space and occupancy restrictions. Construction began on a 2,000 sq. ft. building addition that will provide relief to the cramped quarters and allow for an increase in production in 2010.
The PRIDE Dental Lab had five inmate technicians challenge the National Board of Certification exam to become Certified Dental Technicians; all five are now certified. PRIDE is proud of the fact that they are the only prison dental lab to accomplish this feat.

The PRIDE Dental Lab had five inmate technicians challenge the National Board of Certification exam to become Certified Dental Technicians; all five are now certified. PRIDE is proud of the fact that they are the only prison dental lab to accomplish this feat.

PRIDE Dental Lab continues to experience robust sales despite production limitations due to space and occupancy restrictions. Construction began on a 2,000 sq. ft. building addition that will provide relief to the cramped quarters and allow for an increase in production beginning in 2010.

PRIDE’s inmate workers receive training in 16 programs including Orthodontics, Partial and Complete Denture Technician, Acrylic and Flexible Partials, Quality Assurance and Case Surveying, Ceramic Crowns and Bridges, Implants, Laboratory Aide, Tooth Selection and Case Management.  Numerous accreditations include United States Department of Justice, Nation Board of Certification, Florida Dental Laboratory Association, Kentucky Board of Dentistry, Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and the University of Florida’s College of Dentistry.  

PRIDE's inmate workers receive training in Inventory Management, Warehousing, Shipping and Receiving Operations, Forklift Operations and Order Entry Clerk. Training programs are certified by the Florida Department of Education.

PRIDE Heavy Vehicle Renovation features a complete body shop and paint facility, a graphic art department, metal fabricators and welders, and an experienced carpentry department. PRIDE's trainees and staff tailor each project to meet the customers' needs, working with customers' budgetary constraints and special needs for vehicles that will be in service for years to come.

Inmates are trained in auto body restoration, vehicle renovation, and heavy vehicle engine repair and maintenance. PRIDE Trainees can become certified in their trade by The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), American Welding Society (AWS), The Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) Commission, and the Florida Department of Education (DOE).

PRIDE Food Processing recently completed construction of a 9,000 sq. ft. freezer with a 1,000 sq. ft. blast cell, capable of -30 degrees F. The blast cell freezes most items overnight and cuts production turn-around time in half. A new process was implemented that reduced the possibility of product pathogen contamination. The retrofit of current equipment saved thousands of dollars in new equipment costs.

The facility is United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and HACCP certified with an onsite USDA daily inspection. PRIDE’s inmate workers receive certified training from the Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences (IFAS), University of Florida and the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS).  Training is conducted in over 20 programs including Patty Machine Operations, Meat Grinding Operations, Food Developer and Tester, Batch Master, Quality Assurance Tester and Equipment Cleaner.