Eckler Industries to Build International HQ in Brevard
By Space Coast Daily // June 13, 2013
$9.5 MILLION PROJECT WILL CREATE 65 NEW JOBS
ABOVE VIDEO: Eckler’s Auto Experts discuss Corvette Camshafts. Eckler, a leading parts provider for classic Corvettes, is expanding its company and creating 65 new jobs in Titusville.
BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILE, FL — The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) and City of Titusville announced a $9.5 million project by Eckler Industries will create 65 new jobs in Titusville.
According to a press release from Eckler’s, the world-renowned provider of restoration parts and accessories for classic cars will build its international headquarters and parts distribution facility on a site along Grissom Parkway in Titusville, In the same release, Eckler’s CEO Matt Jordan credited the local business climate for the company’s decision.
“We like the business climate here,” Jordan said. “We’re delighted that we were able to work with Brevard County, others in local government and key community economic development organizations to ensure we were able to find a good location and retain the staff we rely on so much.”
According to Eckler’s release, the 65 new jobs will be created as the growth plan is implemented during the next four years. Ecklers’ reloacted frm Rockford, Illinois to Titusville 41 years ago. Prior to naming Grissom Parkway as the site for the expansion, a site in Orange County was under consideration.
Eckler’s opted for Titusville thanks to the combined efforts of the City of Titusville, the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority, the EDC, the Brevard County Manager’s Office, the City of Titusville Planning and Zoning Office, Titusville-based Space Coast Economic Development Commission, and Brevard Planning and Development. Brevard County Commission and Titusville City Council both approved ad valorem tax abatements for the expansion.
In an interview with Space Coast Daily, Marcia Gaedcke, President of the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce was pleased to see the rewards from the cumulative effort to keep Eckler’s in Titusville.
“Anytime that we’re faced with losing a company, it’s great when we’re not only able to keep them, but help them expand, it’s a win for everyone,” Gaedcke said. “They were looking in other areas, we’re not only retaining them here, but we’re helping them expand.”
ADDITIONAL LOCATION TO HOUSE BUSINESS OFFICE, WAREHOUSE & CALL CENTER
Eckler’s new facility will be home to a business office and warehouse operations, as well as a call center. The company expects the new facilities to play a significant role in continuing its growth rate and helping achieve its goal of doubling sales by 2018.
The project will generate a nearly $5.5 million economic impact annually when fully operational. It also enhances the economic diversity on the Space Coast, noted Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast.
“We have worked hard to develop a broad economy that has strength across multiple areas,” Weatherman said. “The decision by Matt and the leadership team at Eckler’s to stay and expand on the Space Coast adds to that strength while providing a welcome boost to North Brevard.”
Brevard County Commissioner Robin Fisher met with Eckler’s team after he was informed that they were considering relocation to a site outside of Titusville. In a release, Fisher said:
“When former Brevard County Commissioner Jackie Colon called and told me that Eckler was considering relocating out of Brevard because they had identified a property in Orlando that met their need to quickly expand, I was happy to facilitate several meetings with the team at Eckler, representing the North Brevard Economic Development Zone, I met with our community’s key stakeholders and we all worked to make the necessary connections and convinced Eckler to stay.”
Eckler’s long-term presence in Titusville will add to the stability of the city’s economy even as leaders and organizations continue their work to strengthen it, Titusville Mayor Jim Tulley said.
“We are pleased that the Eckler’s has chosen to remain in Titusville for the expansion and consolidation of their nationally recognized automotive parts distribution company,” Tulley said. “With the addition of 65 new employees, the company recognizes one of the many benefits of growing business in a community with an exceptional workforce. The City of Titusville supports and encourages the expansion of local companies, and we are extremely proud that Eckler’s will continue to call Titusville home.”
