New Florida Facility For Phenom Final Production
Embraer celebrated the opening of its first U.S.aircraft final
assembly plant Monday 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.
Embraer Ribbon Cutting Ceremony In Melbourne,
FL
"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," said Florida
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."
2008 Groundbreaking
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."
Embraer Phenom 100
"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.