Williams International will invest more than $1 billion to build a high-volume aviation gas turbine engine manufacturing facility in Okaloosa County, state and company officials announced today.
- The project ranks among the largest investments in Northwest Florida history and will create more than 330 jobs at the one million square foot facility planned for Shoal River Industrial Park in Crestview.
“This billion-dollar investment is a major win for the Free State of Florida and for Floridians,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “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.”
The Michigan-based aerospace manufacturer selected Florida after conducting a comprehensive, multi-state search that began in 2023. Construction will occur in three phases, with the first 250,000-square-foot facility slated to begin construction later this year and reach completion by late 2026.
- “We are very excited about starting our next phase of growth in Northwest Florida,” said Gregg Williams, chairman, president and CEO of Williams International. “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.”
The project received support through multiple partnerships between state, regional and local organizations. In 2022, DeSantis awarded $3.2 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to expand manufacturing in Okaloosa County.
Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said the investment demonstrates Florida’s appeal for advanced manufacturing under DeSantis’ leadership.
“This is a win for Northwest Florida and was made possible through partnership with CareerSource Florida, Okaloosa County, One Okaloosa EDC, Space Florida, and Triumph Gulf Coast,” Kelly said.
- Subsequent facilities will be constructed in 2028, with the final 500,000-square-foot phase planned for the 2035-2036 timeframe.
Triumph Gulf Coast Chair Jay Trumbull Sr. called the announcement “an exciting win for Northwest Florida’s growing aviation industry sector.”
“Triumph is proud to continue its commitment to developing high paying jobs in the region,” Trumbull said. “We are especially pleased to see this major manufacturer choose the Shoal River Industrial Park as its new home.”
Commissioner Paul Mixon of the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners said the project will have lasting regional impact.
- “We are fortunate to have been able to invest in the infrastructure at Shoal River Industrial Park to attract an aerospace industry leader like Williams International,” Mixon said.
Williams International, headquartered in Pontiac, Michigan, describes itself as the world leader in design, manufacturing and support of aviation gas turbine engines. The company is known for establishing highly integrated and automated manufacturing facilities to support high-quality, high-volume production of commercial and military products.
“Today’s announcement is a true testament to the importance of preparation, partnerships and persistence,” said Nathan Sparks, Executive Director, One Okaloosa EDC. “Without key partners like Governor DeSantis, FloridaCommerce, Triumph Gulf Coast, Florida’s Great Northwest and many others who consistently supported Okaloosa County’s vision for Shoal River Industrial Park, our community would not be celebrating this tremendous success today.”
