Florida officials announced that jet engine maker Williams International will invest approximately $1 billion in a new gas turbine engine facility. After evaluating options in multiple states, the company selected Shoal River Industrial Park in Okaloosa County.
1 Million Square Feet and 330 Jobs
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said that the 1 million-square-foot facility would create over 330 jobs.
Williams International plans to divide construction into three phases, starting with a 250,000-square-foot facility scheduled for completion in 2026. The company expects to begin work on the second phase in 2028 and the final phase in 2035 or 2036.
Boosting Manufacturing in Northwest Florida
The announcement comes nearly three years after Okaloosa County received a $3.2 million grant from DeSantis designed to boost manufacturing in the area. The Williams International project also drew support from multiple local, regional, and state partners, including Space Florida, the state’s aerospace economic development agency.
Space Florida CEO and President Rob Long said the company’s decision to expand in Northwest Florida highlights the region’s prominence in aerospace activity.
Establishing Integrated and Automated Facilities
In addition to designing and manufacturing aviation gas turbine engines, Williams International also prioritizes establishing integrated and automated facilities to support the production and delivery of its military and commercial products.
Image credit: Alexandr Zimovskoy/Shutterstock
