The announcement follows a comprehensive, multi-state search initiated by aerospace and aviation manufacturer, Williams International, in 2023. Williams International’s planned high-volume aviation gas turbine engine manufacturing facility will be constructed in three phases within the Shoal River Industrial Park, which is seven miles east of Crestview and just south of U.S. Highway 90.
Numerous state, regional, and local partners worked together to facilitate this major economic development success story for Northwest Florida. In 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $3.2 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to expand manufacturing in Okaloosa County. FloridaCommerce partnered with several state and local organizations including CareerSource Florida, Florida’s Great Northwest, Space Florida, Okaloosa County, and Triumph Gulf Coast on this major economic development win for Florida.
“This billion-dollar investment is a major win for the Free State of Florida and for Floridians,” DeSantis said in a news release. “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.”
“Under Gov. DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to attract advanced manufacturing throughout the state — strengthening Florida’s economy, and creating opportunities for job seekers and job creators,” Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said. “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.”
“We are very excited about starting our next phase of growth in Northwest Florida,” said Gregg Williams, chairman, president, and CEO of Williams International. “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.”
“This is an exciting win for Northwest Florida’s growing aviation industry sector, said Triumph Gulf Coast Chair Jay Trumbull Sr. “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!”
Rob Long, president and CEO of Space Florida, said Northwest Florida is proving itself to be a rising hub for aerospace activity and an essential part of Florida’s expanding aerospace ecosystem.
“Williams International’s expansion in this community is a stellar example of how new opportunities for innovation and investment are being built in every corner of the state, reinforcing all of Florida as the global and interplanetary center for aerospace commerce,” Long said.
“This is a monumental project that will have a lasting impact on both Okaloosa County’s economy and the entire region,” Okaloosa County Commission Chairman Paul Mixon said. “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 FloridaCommerce for their hard work and support in this effort.”
Nathan Sparks, executive director of One Okaloosa EDC, said, “Today’s announcement is a true testament to the importance of preparation, partnerships and persistence. Without key partners like Gov. DeSantis, FloridaCommerce, Triumph Gulf Coast, Florida’s Great Northwest and many others who consistently supported Okaloosa County’s vision for Shoal River Industrial Park, our community would not be celebrating this tremendous success today.”
The company’s first 250,000-square-foot facility is slated to begin construction later this year, with completion scheduled for late 2026. Subsequent facilities will be constructed in 2028, with the final 500,000 square feet planned for the 2035-2036 timeframe.
Headquartered in Pontiac, Michigan, Williams International is the world leader in the design, manufacturing and support of aviation gas turbine engines. In addition to its world-class reputation for customer support, Williams is well known for establishing highly integrated and automated manufacturing facilities in the world to support high-quality, high-volume production and on schedule delivery of its rapidly growing family of commercial and military products.
For more information, visit www.Williams-Int.com.