Gov. Rick Scott announced Thursday that French aircraft manufacturer ATR is moving its American headquarters from Virginia to Miami Springs, bringing 40 jobs to the Sunshine State and $125,000 in capital investment over the next three years.
It may not sound like much, but when it comes to boosting Florida's economy, Scott's philosophy seems to be: every little bit helps.
It is great news that ATR North America is relocating their American headquarters to Miami Springs, Scott said in a statement announcing the move, just two days after meeting ATR officials at the the Paris Air Show. ATR North America is providing Florida families with the opportunity to pursue the American dream. The Paris Air Show has given us many opportunities to showcase Floridas great business climate, and we are glad that ATR will be joining us in the Sunshine State.
Scott is presently in France, along with several local government officials and representatives from the state's business community. The trip is the eighth trade mission of his term.
"I had a great meeting with ATR's leadership team at the Paris Airshow earlier this week, and I'm thrilled that they have chosen to move their American headquarters to our community," Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, who's accompanying Scott, said in his own statement accompanying the announcement." ATR represents exactly the type of company and the kind of jobs that we want to bring here: globally respected, high-skilled and technology-driven. And Miami-Dade County is a great fit for ATR, as well, with our ideal location, strong aviation industry and booming international airport at MIA."
ATR is making the move after receiving undisclosed state and local financial incentives, research and marketing analysis, and job training provided through Enterprise Florida and The Beacon Council.
ATR's relocation is the third jobs deal announced by Scott in the course of his French mission, which began Friday.
On Wednesday, Scott announced that the Austria-basedDiamond Aircraft Industries (another aircraft manufacturing company) would be establishing a presence at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University'sDaytona Beach campus. The same day, he announced that the French aerospace and automotive supply firmVision Systemswill open a branch in Melbourne. Vision Systems is expected to create 40 jobs in three years and make a minimum capital investment of $1.2 million.
Reach Eric Giunta at egiunta@sunshinestatenews.com or at 954-235-9116.
