PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Today, Governor
Rick Scott announced that Edge Aerodynamix, Inc. will locate its operations near
the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) in Bay County. The
project will create a $77.92 million in capital investment, including land, and
120 manufacturing, research and development, and marketing jobs.
Governor
Scott said, “Edge Aerodynamix’s creation of 120 jobs in Panama City is great
news for Florida families. These jobs will help more Florida families live the
American Dream. Since December 2010, we’ve created 651,300 private-sector jobs,
and we will continue creating more opportunities so that every Floridian who
wants a jobs can get one.”
Edge
Aerodynamix, Inc. is a pioneer in the aviation industry, and has developed a
product that will generate significant fuel savings for all types of aircraft.
The company plans to continue research and development (R&D) on additional
products aimed at reducing drag and increasing fuel efficiency. The company has
chosen to locate the manufacturing of these products, in addition to its
R&D and marketing operations, in Bay County after a competitive site search
that included domestic and international sites.
“Edge
Aerodynamix is very excited about locating in Bay County, Florida. This area
gives our company plenty of room for future growth, an aviation-centric
workforce and offers a business friendly environment for our operations,” said
Zana Ireland, President of Edge Aerodynamix, Inc. “We are thankful that local
leaders have placed their trust in us and have partnered with us to make this
dream a reality.”
As
the project expands from phase-one, it will bring a significant capital
investment and construction of multiple new facilities near the airport. ECP
was strategically planned to act as a tremendous driver for economic
development, with aerospace sites offering runway access, as well as
surrounding acres for development to accommodate companies such as Edge
Aerodynamix, Inc.
Florida is already home to
more than 2,000 aerospace and aviation companies employing more than 82,000 workers across
the state. The industry has an annual payroll impact of over $5 billion in the
state. Florida has long been known as a premier state for aviation and
aerospace and Edge Aerodynamix, Inc. contributes to that portfolio of
excellence. Additionally, Florida’s manufacturing sector ranks among the top 10 nationwide with more
than 18,200 companies employing some 317,000 people statewide.
President
and CEO of Enterprise Florida, Gray Swoope said, “Northwest Florida has grown
to be one of the top regions for aviation and aerospace companies to expand and
establish operations. Edge Aerodynamix’s operations in Panama City will add
value to Florida’s extensive aviation and aerospace and manufacturing sectors.
I’m excited for Edge Aerodynamix’s establishment in Florida and look forward to
seeing the company’s growth in the Sunshine State.”
This
project was made possible through strong partnerships between Enterprise
Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Bay County Board of
County Commissioners, Bay EDA and Northwest Florida Beaches International
Airport.
“The
120 new jobs that will be created over the next three years by Edge Aerodynamix
is great news for Panama City families,” said Jesse Panuccio, Executive
Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “Through pro-growth
policies and initiatives, this administration is focused on recruiting industry
sectors—such as aerospace and aviation—that bring high-skill, high-wage jobs to
our economy.”
“Today’s
announcement is great news for our local economy and the hardworking people of
Bay County,” said Rep. Steve Southerland.
“In addition to creating 120 high-paying jobs, Edge Aerodynamix’s
location to our region brings a big economic boost and investment into the
development of Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.”
“We
welcome Edge Aerodynamix to Bay County and are tremendously excited about the
company’s fresh, innovative ideas and commitment to job growth. This is a
wonderful opportunity for both this new and exciting company and Bay County’s
economy. We hope for their continued success and expansion and that they will
prove to be a magnet for other aeronautical industry players to our area,” Bay
County Commission Chairman Guy Tunnell said.
“We
are proud that the airport was able to help provide a competitive advantage
that gave Panama City the edge over other communities under
consideration," said Till Bruett, Chairman of the Board of Northwest
Florida Beaches International Airport. "Attracting innovative companies to
locate at the airport, not only helps create jobs, but also helps the airport
grow. Growth at the airport means additional business opportunities and in turn
improving the airport's ability to encourage more air service to our market.”
"We
are excited that Edge Aerodynamix Inc. has chosen Bay County as its home for
the R&D, marketing and manufacturing of their innovative product. The 120
new, high wage jobs that they will create will have a profound impact on our
local economy, and we hope that this company will be the catalyst for economic
development at ECP," said John Ed McDanal, Chairman of the Bay EDA and
District Manager for Gulf Power Company.
***
Edge
Aerodynamix, Inc.
is a full time professional company dedicated to bringing superior engineering,
quality and affordability to aircraft owners and operators everywhere. It’s an
international technology company that specializes in erosion protection and
paint protection products for aircraft that do not reduce performance.
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders
and is the principal economic development organization for the state of
Florida. EFI facilitates job growth for Florida businesses through
recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of
sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority
businesses.
