Embraer inaugurates its first U.S. final assembly plant
São José dos Campos, February 2011 – Embraer celebrates the opening of its first U.S. aircraft final assembly plant, today, at Melbourne International Airport in Melbourne, Florida. The new 80,000-square-foot hangar and modern paint shop facility is dedicated to the executive jet business in the Company’s largest market, where it will begin operations with the production of the Phenom 100 entry level executive jet.“Today’s grand opening of the first U.S. industrial site in Melbourne is a landmark for Embraer, as we fulfill our goal of bringing operations closer to our customers and to our largest market,” says Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President and CEO. “The Melbourne facility is the pinnacle of the Company’s presence and investments in the United States and Florida, a 32-year history of a truly mutually beneficial partnership.”
“I am extremely pleased that Embraer has chosen to open its first U.S. manufacturing plant right here in Florida,” states Florida’s Governor, Rick Scott. “The attraction of Embraer and the 200 high wage jobs that they will bring to the Space Coast proves Florida is open for business.”
“As Mayor of Melbourne, I view Embraer's opening of facilities in the City of Melbourne as a vote of confidence in our community,” said Mayor Harry Goode, City of Melbourne. “For Embraer, this occasion puts the spotlight on a major investment in their company's future. We certainly welcome Embraer as a new partner in our efforts toward securing economic stability for Melbourne and Brevard County.”
In May 2008, Embraer announced Melbourne as its chosen location for the new 150,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, worth some $50 million, for its portfolio of executive jets. In December of that year, the company broke ground on the first phase of the construction – a production hangar and paint shop – which have been completed on schedule in the first quarter of 2011.
“Embraer’s completion of this first phase of expansion is a testament to our county’s efforts to enhance our strengths in the aviation industry and build a world class community that will continue to attract high-value companies to the Space Coast,” said Commissioner Robin Fisher, Chairman, Brevard County Board of County Commissioners.
“The opening of Embraer’s first U.S. manufacturing facility on the Space Coast demonstrates the strength of our high-tech workforce, advanced infrastructure, and competitive business environment,” said Lynda Weatherman, President & CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. “We are elated to welcome Embraer to our community and look forward to their continued growth on the Space Coast.”
“As Managing Director of Embraer’s new industrial and plant operations, my team’s priority includes enhancing profitability by focusing on quality, process management and customer service,” says Phil Krull of Embraer Executive Aircraft, LLC. “We look forward to working with our suppliers, government authorities and members of the Melbourne community to promote the Phenom executive jet family in the company’s largest market.”
A second construction phase for the company’s Customer Center has already begun. At this facility, customers will be able to design the interiors of their Phenom, Legacy and Lineage executive jets with the use of high-end 3D visualization technology, supported by a showroom with a vast collection of interior finishing materials. It is scheduled to be completed by the time Embraer delivers the first Phenom 100 assembled at the facility in the fourth quarter of 2011.
In 2010, Embraer produced and delivered 126 Phenom jets to customers, worldwide, making it the most delivered executive jet in the industry.
Partners in the Embraer project include the State of Florida, the Economic Development Commission (EDC) of Florida’s Space Coast, Melbourne International Airport, Enterprise Florida, the City of Melbourne, and BBVA Compass Bank. BHPH, which is located in Melbourne, designed the facility, and Walbridge was the builder.
Source: EMBRAER
