Embraer's new $50 million, 150,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility--which includes an 80,000-square-foot hangar and modern paint shop--is dedicated to the executive jet business in the company’s largest market. Here, Embraer will begin operations with the production of the Phenom 100 entry level executive jet. “The 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,” said 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.”
Rick Scott, Governor of Florida, echoed those sentiments. “I am extremely pleased that Embraer has chosen to open its first U.S. manufacturing plant right here in Florida,” he said. “The attraction of Embraer and the 200 high-wage jobs that they will bring to the Space Coast proves Florida is open for business.”
Melbourne's Mayor, Harry Goode, views Embraer's decision to open an assembly facility in his city opening as a vote of confidence in our community. “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.”
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.
