United Technologies Corp. announced that its Pratt & Whitney unit will expand manufacturing capabilities at the company's West Palm Beach facility.
The formal announcement was made by UTC Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Louis Chenevert and Florida Gov. Rick Scott during a press conference at the West Palm Beach facility, which is shared by both Pratt & Whitney and Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., another United Technologies company.
Pratt & Whitney plans to invest more than $63 million to construct and equip a new building and make improvements to existing space at the facility. Construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2013. Overall, the expansion is expected to result in creation of 230 new jobs. To support this expansion, Pratt & Whitney will receive incentives from both the State of Florida and Palm Beach County valued at approximately $4.4 million.
"We appreciate the leadership and vision of Governor Scott and the support of the State and County governments as we expand our capabilities in West Palm Beach," Chenevert said. "This expansion involves Pratt & Whitney's most advanced commercial and military engines and builds upon the great work already being done here. We look forward to continued strong cooperation with the State of Florida and Palm Beach County."
"Florida's workforce is especially skilled to support the aeronautic industry, and that's why we're pursuing the sort of quality jobs that can support and sustain entire communities. From this expansion Pratt & Whitney is expected to create hundreds of jobs, which will improve the quality of life and create more job opportunities for Florida families," Scott said. "It also means we're further strengthening Florida's foothold in partnering with the military and defense industries that are critical to our nation's security. Although we're making incredible progress, our work isn't done, and I'll continue to make job creation my top priority."
United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and building industries. Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service.