Melbourne Facility Expected To Employ 200 In Four Years

The Florida Space Coast’s aerospace economy continues to grow as Governor Rick Scott and representatives from Space Florida and the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast joined local, national and international dignitaries in a groundbreaking Wednesday on the $24 million Embraer Engineering and Technology Center USA at Melbourne International Airport.

The 63,500-square-foot facility, which will generate 200 engineering jobs by the end of 2016, adds to Embraer’s economic impact across the Space Coast and its growing footprint at the airport, which is also home to the company’s final assembly plant and customer center. Those two facilities, a combined 138,000 square feet, represent a capital investment of more than $50 million.

“As we continue to create a better business climate, we are also bringing more jobs to Florida,” Governor Scott said. “These 200 new jobs mean more families will be able to bring a paycheck home, and although our work isn’t done, we’ll continue to work to grow jobs so every Florida family can enjoy the American dream.”

“Breaking ground on the newest facility at our growing aeronautical cluster in Melbourne is an important milestone for Embraer on its path to becoming a truly global company” said Gary Spulak, president of Embraer Aircraft Holding Inc. “This latest achievement is a testament to the close partnership we have with the state of Florida and economic development authorities on the Space Coast and Melbourne, without which this aviation campus would not have been possible."

Space Florida, Enterprise Florida, the EDC and their coalition partners have worked with Embraer since the Brazil-based company considered coming to the Space Coast more than four years ago.

“Embraer reflects the type of company that will keep Florida’s aerospace-related economic engine running into the foreseeable future,” said Space Florida President and CEO Frank DiBello. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with such a forward-thinking aviation company and help them expand their operations here in Central Florida.”

The Embraer Engineering & Technology Center USA will be financed, built, owned and operated by Space Florida for Embraer. The EDC worked closely with Embraer and state and local officials to develop a competitive and comprehensive local incentive package.

“The EDC has had a window seat to Embraer’s dynamic growth on the Space Coast, from its first-ever North American assembly operation, which opened in February 2011 at Melbourne International Airport, to the $24 million Engineering and Technology Center we are thrilled to help get under way today,” said Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. “We knew when the EDC began working with this company that Embraer had the potential to help reshape the Space Coast economy and spark a post-shuttle resurgence. Clearly that potential has become reality. There is no better place than the Space Coast for engineering and technology, and we look forward to the 200 jobs and numerous innovations Embraer will create at this cutting-edge facility.”

Melbourne Mayor Kathy Meehan has enjoyed watching Embraer -- and her city’s relationship with the company -- grow. "Melbourne has been extremely fortunate to be in a position to land and build upon an excellent partnership with Embraer, a world class company,” Meehan said. “The success of this partnership is a testament to the collaboration and business savvy of many here in Brevard County as well as the State of Florida, but most importantly to the efforts and vision of Embraer. We are amazed and awe-struck, and that takes a lot."

FMI: www.spaceflorida.com