Williams International has announced plans to build a high-volume aviation gas turbine engine manufacturing facility in Crestview, Florida. The company, which designs, manufactures, and supports aviation gas turbine engines, is investing more than $1 billion in the project, creating over 330 jobs. 

The facility will be developed in three phases within the Shoal River Industrial Park in Okaloosa County. The first building, totaling 250,000 square feet, is scheduled to begin construction later this year and be completed by late 2026. Additional phases are set for 2028, with the final 500,000-square-foot facility planned for the 2035–2036 timeframe. 

Support for the project includes a $3.2 million award from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to expand manufacturing in the region. FloridaCommerce collaborated with CareerSource Florida, Florida’s Great Northwest, Space Florida, Okaloosa County, and Triumph Gulf Coast to help bring the project to fruition. 

In a recent quote, Gregg Williams, Chairman, President, and CEO, Williams International, said, “We are very excited about starting our next phase of growth in Northwest Florida. 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.” 

Governor Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida, added, “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.” 

Bauducco Foods invests $200M to build new baked goods manufacturing facility in FloridaBauducco Foods has broken ground on a new facility in Pasco County, bringing hundreds of jobs and expanding its production capabilities in the U.S.

Cosentino invests $270M to open its first U.S. manufacturing facility in FloridaThe company hopes the new plant’s location will help streamline distribution channels in North America to meet demand for the brand’s most sought-after colors. 

Lithium Battery Company invests $4M to establish battery manufacturing facility in FloridaThe expansion will include a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) designation and feature five specialized assembly lines.

This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants.