Okaloosa County, Fla. (Jan 24, 2022) – One Okaloosa EDC announced today that Boeing Global Services has selected Fort Walton Beach for a competitive expansion project. The anticipated $2,550,000 project involves a 20,000 SF expansion to the company’s existing facility located at 20 Hill Avenue in the Fort Walton Beach Commerce & Technology Park. In addition, Boeing’s current position as one of Okaloosa County’s largest private sector employers will be further reinforced with the creation of 12 new positions at an average salary of $70,000 per year plus benefits (168% of Okaloosa County’s average wage).
“Boeing is proud to partner with Okaloosa County and the City of Fort Walton Beach as we continue to support our U.S. and international defense customers,” said Hank Sanders, Boeing Global Services Director for Support Equipment & Special Operations Forces. “At the Fort Walton Beach site, Boeing teammates provide a spectrum of support solutions to ensure our customers can meet their mission requirements. This expansion is both a testament to the expertise of our employees and further development of the area’s aviation and aerospace industry.”
In Fort Walton Beach, Boeing Global Services employees are dedicated to modifying, testing, repairing and servicing aircraft for customers in the U.S., including the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force, as well as customers around the globe. Additionally, there is a maintenance repair and overhaul facility that services avionics, wiring and hydraulic systems for a variety of aircraft. The engineering capability is extensive and concentrates on military aircraft sustainment.
Boeing employees in Fort Walton Beach also support technical manual development for Boeing and non-Boeing platforms, such as the C-130, F-15, F/A-18, CH-47 and elements of the U.S. national defense system.
“The City of Fort Walton Beach is proud to be home to two Boeing facilities employing more than 500 talented individuals in our local area. Today’s expansion announcement is welcome news, as it further solidifies the company’s long-standing commitment to our community,” stated Mayor Dick Rynearson, City of Fort Walton Beach.
“Boeing is a world class company, and the fact that they have chosen to undertake this important expansion project in Okaloosa County is a testament to our community’s continued ability to provide them with the top-notch talent and infrastructure they require. We welcome Boeing’s growth in Fort Walton Beach and appreciate the vital role they play in supporting our nation’s warfighters,” stated Chairman Mel Ponder, Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners.
As a high wage project in a targeted growth sector, the project qualified for – and was subsequently awarded – Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemptions (EDATE) from both the City of Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa County. The total ten year value of the exemptions on new taxable value resulting from the expansion is estimated to be $108,197 (Fort Walton Beach) and $77,709 (Okaloosa County), respectively.
Construction is expected to begin in March 2022 with completion in March 2023, while hiring of the 12 new positions will occur within the next two years.
About One Okaloosa EDC
Founded in 1989, One Okaloosa EDC (One Okaloosa) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit, public-private partnership serving Okaloosa County, Florida and its nine municipalities (Cinco Bayou, Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Laurel Hill, Mary Esther, Niceville, Shalimar and Valparaiso). As the community’s lead economic development organization, One Okaloosa is committed to fostering economic diversification and prosperity through comprehensive strategies and initiatives. In addition to its public partners, One Okaloosa enjoys broad support from more than 130 leading private sector businesses representing a wide range of industry sectors. More information is available at www.oneokaloosa.org.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Nathan Sparks, CEcD
Executive Director
One Okaloosa EDC
(850) 362-6467
nathan@oneokaloosa.org
Dee Russell
Communications, Government Operations
The Boeing Company
(321) 289-8816
dee.russell@boeing.com