Governor Rick Scott announced that Embrarer has selected Melbourne International Airport for the manufacturing of its Legacy 450 and 500 planes. Their decision to invest in the Space Coast will ultimately create 600 jobs, and will generate $28 million in capital investment for equipment. The decision by Embraer to create jobs in Florida is contingent on the final approval of a partnership between the company, state and local officials.
The Governor made the announcement at Melbourne International Airport where he was joined by Melbourne Mayor Kathy Meehan, President and CEO of Embraer South America Frederico Curado, President of Embraer Holdings Gary Spulak, and President of the Space Coast Economic Development Council Lynda Weatherman.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to announce that even more Floridians are going to be able to find great jobs and live the American Dream right here in the Sunshine State. With the creation of over 365,000 jobs in two-and-a-half years, and our state’s unemployment rate below the national average, it’s important that we remain focused on continuing Florida’s economic momentum. I would like to thank everyone involved in this important project.”
Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, said, “More than five years after Embraer and the EDC began working together on what would become the company’s first-ever North American final assembly plant at Melbourne International Airport, I am delighted to congratulate Frederico Curado and his outstanding team on yet another important endeavor that further deepens your connections to the Space Coast. The Legacy 500 and Legacy 450 business jets embody the visionary thinking that is Embraer’s hallmark and they will fit perfectly into the Space Coast’s rich heritage of building cutting-edge aircraft that transport passengers on their important journeys, whether across the country or into the cosmos.”
Embraer President and Chief Executive Officer Frederico Fleury Curado said, “Both Embraer and our customers are very satisfied with the success of our Phenom assembly facility and global customer center located at Melbourne airport. In partnership with Governor Rick Scott, Enterprise Florida, the City of Melbourne, the Melbourne Airport Authority, Brevard County, Space Florida, Enterprise Florida, the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, and Brevard Workforce, we are ready to take the next step here by expanding the operation to include the assembly of the Legacy 450/500 to address the needs of our largest market.”
Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, president & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc. said, “Embraer’s announcement to manufacture the L450 and L500 corporate jets on Florida’s Space Coast validates the state’s position as a leader in aviation and aerospace. This highly sought after expansion is especially important as it solidifies Embraer’s growing manufacturing presence on the Space Coast and will create additional opportunities for suppliers in the aerospace and aviation industry. The company’s continued investment in Florida for research, design and manufacturing significantly benefits our goal of diversifying our economy through job creation.”