The State of Florida and Williams International today announced a $1 billion investment in Northwest Florida, set to establish a high-volume aviation gas turbine engine manufacturing facility in Okaloosa County.
This project, among the largest in the region’s history, will be constructed in three phases within the Shoal River Industrial Park.
The announcement follows a comprehensive multi-state search initiated by aerospace and aviation manufacturer Williams International in 2023. The new facility is projected to create more than 330 high-tech jobs, significantly bolstering the region’s economic landscape.
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Governor Ron DeSantis lauded the investment, stating, “This billion-dollar investment is a major win for the Free State of Florida and for Floridians. Williams International’s investment in the Florida Panhandle will create more than 330 jobs, and is a success story of the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund in Northwest Florida.”
The project is the culmination of collaborative efforts from numerous state, regional, and local partners. In 2022, Governor DeSantis awarded $3.2 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to expand manufacturing in Okaloosa County, laying the groundwork for this major development. FloridaCommerce, in conjunction with CareerSource Florida, Florida’s Great Northwest, Space Florida, Okaloosa County, and Triumph Gulf Coast, played a pivotal role in securing this economic victory for the state.
J. Alex Kelly, Secretary of Commerce, highlighted Florida’s growing appeal for advanced manufacturing.
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“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to attract advanced manufacturing throughout the state—strengthening Florida’s economy, and creating opportunities for job seekers and job creators,” said Kelly. “This is a win for Northwest Florida and was made possible through partnership with CareerSource Florida, Okaloosa County, One Okaloosa EDC, Space Florida, and Triumph Gulf Coast—Williams International’s investment in Florida will drive long-term economic growth and opportunity.”
Gregg Williams, Chairman, President, and CEO of Williams International, expressed his excitement about the expansion. “We are very excited about starting our next phase of growth in Northwest Florida,” said Williams. “We are grateful to the Triumph board and for the strong, unified support from all of our Florida stakeholders that will enable us to create many high-quality, high-technology jobs producing the world’s best gas turbine engines.”
Jay Trumbull, Sr., Chair of Triumph Gulf Coast, emphasized the project’s impact on the region’s burgeoning aviation sector. “This is an exciting win for Northwest Florida’s growing aviation industry sector,” Trumbull stated. “Triumph is proud to continue its commitment to developing high paying jobs in the region. We are especially pleased to see this major manufacturer choose the Shoal River Industrial Park as its new home!”
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Commissioner Paul Mixon of the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners underscored the long-term benefits for the community.
“This is a monumental project that will have a lasting impact on both Okaloosa County’s economy and the entire region,” said Mixon. “We are fortunate to have been able to invest in the infrastructure at Shoal River Industrial Park to attract an aerospace industry leader like Williams International, and I am thankful to One Okaloosa EDC and Florida Commerce for their hard work and support in this effort.”
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