October 18, 2017

Boundless Markets

| 9/22/2017

Florida is very much a people place and that’s good news for growing businesses. Each year in Florida, tourism numbers swell, the permanent population grows and the state’s global reach extends ever further. And as these vital markets expand, so too do the opportunities for businesses in all industry sectors to succeed.

3rd Largest State; Population 20.6 million (U.S. Census)

Nearly 113 Million Visitors Annually

18th Largest Economy in the World (World Bank)

2nd Largest Exporter in the U.S. (WISERTrade)

In the news
GKN Aerospace Expands U.S. Operations to Florida

BAY COUNTY – U.K.-based aircraft manufacturer GKN Aerospace is set to expand its U.S. operations with the opening of an advanced manufacturing plant in Bay County, its first facility in Florida. Located at VentureCrossings near Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport in Panama City, the new facility represents a capital investment of more than $50 million and is expected to create 170 jobs.

With more than 60 locations across three continents, GKN Aerospace is one of the world’s largest suppliers to the international aviation industry.

This investment emphasizes our commitment to manufacturing in North America, as this new world-class facility will create jobs and strengthen our competitive position in the U.S. aerospace market for the future. The excellent support we have received from Bay County EDA, Gov. Rick Scott’s office, higher educational partners and the St. Joe Company made Florida an ideal location for GKN.

Mike Grunza
CEO, Aerostructures North America, GKN Aerospace