FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - (PDF Download)

CONTACT:
Claudia Devitt, Sr Manager, Marketing and Communications
(321) 638-2000
CDevitt@SpaceCoastEDC.org

Thales Selects Brevard County to Expand Operations
Company projecting to increase its workforce locally by 175% in the next four years

Brevard County, FL (July 11, 2016) – Earlier this morning during the Farnborough International Air Show in London, Governor Rick Scott announced that Thales has chosen to expand its Melbourne operation. The company expansion will add 327 high-tech positions by 2020 with plans to develop a 100,000 SF 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,” stated 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 (FIA) 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.

###

About the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high tech companies. The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast. Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org.

About Thales
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. With over 22,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design and deploy equipment, systems and services to meet the most complex security requirements. Its exceptional international footprint allows it to work closely with its customers all over the world. For more than 100 years, Thales has conducted significant research and development, manufacturing and service capabilities in the U.S. Today, Thales is present in 13 states operating 23 different facilities. Working closely with U.S. customers and local partners, Thales is able to meet the most complex requirements for every operating environment. www.thalesgroup.com

SpaceCoastEDC.org • 597 Haverty Court, Suite 40 • Rockledge, FL 32955 • p (321) 638.2000 • tf (800) 535.0203