Florida: The Perfect Climate
Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Lynda Weatherman, president and chief executive officer of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, this morning announced that a Lyon, France, aerospace supplier is opening its first U.S. subsidiary in Melbourne.
The company, called Vision Systems, was made at the Paris Air Show.
Vision Systems is considered a “tier-one supplier” for the aeronautics, marine and, automotive industries. The company will create 40 new jobs and nearly $1.2 million in capital investment in the Melbourne. Vision Systems selected Melbourne over sites in Georgia, North Carolina and Texas.
“Today’s announcement further demonstrates the importance of Florida’s international missions,” Scott said in announcing Vision Systems’ plans. “I am thrilled that Vision Systems chose Melbourne for their first U.S. operations.”
“The EDC worked with Vision Systems for nearly a year to highlight the Space Coast’s competitive business environment and showcase both our strong base of industrial facilities and our capable workforce,” Weatherman said. “In continuing Gov. Scott’s main focus on job creation for Florida families, we are thrilled the company will be opening its first North American facility here and welcome them to our diverse, international and highly regarded aviation segment.”
Vision Systems is planning to move into a 12,000-square-foot building at 1801 Penn St., Melbourne.
Vision Systems plans to strengthen its business with existing U.S. customers, including HondaJet and Gulfstream, and picking up more customers in the aeronautics, marine, and automotive industries.
“We felt it was essential for Vision Systems to be located in America,” said Carl Putman, Vision Systems chief executive officer. “We feel confident in moving our first American location to Florida’s Space Coast. This location will enable us to be closer to our U.S. customers and to expand our business activities in this area.”
During Tuesday’s announcement, Scott also awarded Putman with a Governor’s Business Ambassador Award for his commitment to expanding jobs and opportunities for Florida families. Putman’s Vision Systems is the first French-based company to receive a Governor’s Business Ambassador Award.
“Vision Systems choosing Melbourne for their first foreign direct investment project in the nation demonstrates Florida’s competitive advantages in this high-impact industry sector,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce and president and chief executive officer Gray Swoope. “The Space Coast is home to some of the state’s top aviation, space and military companies and Governor Scott is committed in bringing even more jobs to the region.”
The company will establish office space, production workshops and a clean room for the production of smart solar protection systems by next summer. The company will later install specific machinery for series production.
“The city of Melbourne values Governor’s Scott commitment to job creation, and is a proud partner of the emerging aeronautical business cluster in Brevard County,” Melbourne Mayor Kathy Meehan said in a statement. “Vision Systems’ announced aeronautics expansion from Lyon, France to Florida’s Space Coast confirms the city’s status within the international aviation community, which Brazilian companies Embraer and Archo Solutions have already found as an ideal place to do business.”
