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Press RElease
Gov. Scott highlights recent job growth at VOXX International
ORLANDO, Fla. – On Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott highlighted recent job growth at VOXX International Corporation, a leading manufacturer and distributor of automotive, consumer accessories and premium audio products. In 2015, Gov. Scott announced VOXX International’s plans to expand and create 134 new jobs. Since the announcement, the company has already created 77 new jobs, and currently has 250 employees based in Florida.
Gov. Scott said, “It is exciting to celebrate VOXX International’s continued expansion today and the company’s creation of 77 new jobs in the past year. Thanks in part to Florida cutting $1 billion in taxes over the past two years, manufacturers like VOXX are growing and creating new opportunities for families across the state. We will keep working to cut taxes and support economic growth so Florida can be first for jobs in the nation.”
This January, VOXX International held the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of its new 115,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing center, which is producing market-leading automotive entertainment systems and products, and serves as the core VOXXHirschmann North American OEM manufacturing hub. As part of this new facility, VOXX International also relocated its executive headquarters to the new 5,000 square-foot addition to the facility in Orlando. The company has invested more than $16.5 million in the community as a part of the expansion, with the support of community and government officials.
Pat Lavelle, President and CEO of VOXX International stated, “We received tremendous support from local government, community officials, and business leaders and on behalf of all of us at VOXX, I would like to thank Governor Scott, Mayor Jacobs and everyone else involved for their unwavering commitment throughout. VOXX has been in the automotive business for over 50 years and VOXXHirschmann for over 80 years. We understand what our customers need and the importance of quality, convenience and value. By having this new 115,000 square foot manufacturing hub in Orlando, along with our other manufacturing plants throughout the world, we are now in a stronger position to meet the needs of our global customers and drive innovation for years to come.”
VOXX International is a market leader in the production of rear-seat video entertainment systems, remote starts, antennas and digital tuners, developing products for the “Connected Car” and many of the world’s leading Original Equipment Manufacturers, including Audi Group, BMW, Bentley, Chrysler, Ford, FCA, GM, KIA, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen and more.
The expansion was made possible through partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, CareerSource Florida, Orange County, and the Orlando Economic Development Commission.
Bill Johnson, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida said, “Voxx International’s expansion in the Orlando Area is great news. Florida manufacturers are a powerful economic engine for the state’s economy. I look forward to their continued success as we continue to make Florida the best state for business.”
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Voxx International’s expansion proves that our efforts to grow Florida’s manufacturing sector are working. Through targeted tax cuts like this year’s elimination of the sales tax on manufacturing equipment, we can continue to bring manufacturing companies like Voxx International, and the high-skill, high-wage jobs they provide, to Florida.”
CareerSource Florida President and CEO Christ Hart IV said, “We applaud Voxx International’s continued growth in Florida, which underscores our state’s strong business climate, skilled and diverse workforce, competitive edge for manufacturing companies and national leadership in job creation.”
“We are thrilled that VOXX International chose to expand its local operations by building its new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Orange County,” said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. “Orange County serves as a global hub for trade, innovation and economic development. With our world-class airport and skilled workforce, Orange County is the perfect place for VOXX International’s high-tech manufacturing facility. In addition to significant capital investment, the high-wage jobs associated with this expansion will be a great addition to our regional economy.”
“We are thrilled that an internationally known market leader such as VOXX International selected Orlando for its executive headquarters and product development facility,” said Holly Wiedman, executive vice president of the Orlando Economic Development Commission. “It’s clear our region’s skilled talent, along with our business friendly climate and outstanding infrastructure, is serving the company well as it develops digital products that are used around the world.”
VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ:VOXX) formerly Audiovox Corporation has grown into a worldwide leader in many automotive and consumer electronics and accessories categories, as well as premium high-end audio. Today, VOXX International is a global company with an extensive distribution network that includes power retailers, mass merchandisers, 12-volt specialists and most of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers. The company continues to drive innovation throughout all of its subsidiaries, and maintains its commitment to exceeding the needs of the consumers it serves.
About VOXXHirschmann Corporation
VOXXHirschmann Corp. is a newly formed subsidiary that combines the domestic and international OE design, engineering, manufacturing and sales assets of Hirschmann Car Communication, Audiovox, Code Systems and Invision. This worldwide collaboration brings together over 200 engineers and dozens of OE Automotive customers and tier-one companies. VOXXHirschmann has the capabilities to service every level of OE Support, tier-one production line to mod center and ports to dealerships.\
Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI recently launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.
Orlando Economic Development Commission The Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) is a not-for-profit, public-private partnership on a mission to aggressively attract, retain and grow jobs for the Orlando region while advocating, championing, and educating in support of efforts to improve competitive position. The EDC serves Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties and the City of Orlando – a region of about 4,000 square miles and 2.2. million people. Since its start in 1977, the EDC, with the support of its community partners, has assisted thousands of companies locate and expand in the four-county Orlando region. For more information, visit www.OrlandoEDC.com.
