Florida Gov. Rick Scott: Thales Selects Brevard County to Expand Operations
By Space Coast Daily // July 11, 2016
will add 327 high-tech positions by 2020
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Florida Governor Rick Scott announced that Monday that Thales has chosen to expand its Melbourne operation. The announcement was made earlier this morning during the Farnborough International Air Show in London.
Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Transport, Defense and Security markets. With 62,000 employees in 56 countries, Thales reported sales of $15.5 billion in 2015.
The company expansion will add 327 high-tech positions by 2020 with plans to develop a 100,000 square-foot facility to support advancement of innovative technology and solutions world-wide.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Thales chose Florida to expand and create 500 new jobs for Florida families. We met with Thales at the Paris Air Show last year and it’s great to make this exciting announcement today in London. I look forward to seeing their continued success in our state.”
Thales is a global company focusing on strategic technological support, critical to service and protect civil and military customers. The company has over 20 locations nationwide and operates in 56 countries.
The expansion will also include 173 new jobs to be based in Orlando, Florida.
“Thanks to the leadership of Governor Scott and other state and local officials, we are pleased to be able to further expand our competitive footprint in Florida. The state’s pro-business agenda is helping to enable our targeted growth,” said Alan Pellegrini, President and CEO, Thales USA.
The selection of Brevard County was the result of multiple strengths our location offered, including our engineering and high tech resources. Through the selection process the project locally was known as Project Miletus.
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC), Enterprise Florida (EFI) and the City of Melbourne worked diligently to secure this highly competitive project, which included Thales’ California facility as a viable option.
“Competition for these projects is becoming more intense, placing a stronger emphasis on strategic collaboration,” said Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the EDC of Florida’s Space Coast.
“It is because of our longstanding relationship with EFI and the City of Melbourne that enabled us to broaden Thales’ international footprint into our community.”
For decades, the Farnborough International Air Show has been a global showcase for the aerospace industry.
For manufacturers, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate their aircraft and engines to prospective customers; while for suppliers, this forum allows them to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience.
For Florida, the air show provides the platform to showcase the strength of its aviation and aerospace industry.
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