On Monday, One Okaloosa EDC announced that Boeing Global Services has selected Fort Walton Beach for a competitive expansion project.
- The anticipated $2,550,000 project involves a 20,000 SF expansion to the company’s existing facility located at 20 Hill Avenue in the Fort Walton Beach Commerce & Technology Park.
In addition, Boeing’s current position as one of Okaloosa County’s largest private sector employers will be further reinforced with the creation of 12 new positions at an average salary of $70,000 per year plus benefits (168% of Okaloosa County’s average wage).
This was previously code-named Project Blue Waves until final decisions were made.
“Boeing is proud to partner with Okaloosa County and the City of Fort Walton Beach as we continue to support our U.S. and international defense customers,” said Hank Sanders, Boeing Global Services Director for Support Equipment & Special Operations Forces.
According to Sanders, Boeing employees at the Fort Walton Beach site provide a spectrum of support solutions to ensure that their customers can meet their mission requirements.
- “This expansion is both a testament to the expertise of our employees and further development of the area’s aviation and aerospace industry,” he said.
According to One Okaloosa, Boeing Global Services in Fort Walton Beach are focused on modifying, testing, repairing and servicing aircraft for customers in the U.S., including the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force, as well as customers around the globe.
- Additionally, there is a maintenance repair and overhaul facility that services avionics, wiring and hydraulic systems for a variety of aircraft. The engineering capability is extensive and concentrates on military aircraft sustainment.
Boeing employees in Fort Walton Beach also support technical manual development for Boeing and non-Boeing platforms, such as the C-130, F-15, F/A-18, CH-47 and elements of the U.S. national defense system.
“The City of Fort Walton Beach is proud to be home to two Boeing facilities employing more than 500 talented individuals in our local area,” said Mayor Dick Rynearson, City of Fort Walton Beach. “Today’s expansion announcement is welcome news, as it further solidifies the company’s long-standing commitment to our community.”
As a high wage project in a targeted growth sector, the project qualified for – and was subsequently awarded – Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemptions (EDATE) from both the City of Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa County.
- The total ten year value of the exemptions on new taxable value resulting from the expansion is estimated to be $108,197 (Fort Walton Beach) and $77,709 (Okaloosa County), respectively.
“Boeing is a world class company, and the fact that they have chosen to undertake this important expansion project in Okaloosa County is a testament to our community’s continued ability to provide them with the top-notch talent and infrastructure they require,” stated Chairman Mel Ponder, Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners. “We welcome Boeing’s growth in Fort Walton Beach and appreciate the vital role they play in supporting our nation’s warfighters.”
Construction is expected to begin in March 2022 with completion in March 2023, while hiring of the 12 new positions will occur within the next two years.
