Posted: June 02, 2025
The State of Florida and Williams International announced a major capital investment expected to total more than $1 billion in Okaloosa County—easily placing the project among the largest in the history of the Northwest Florida region. This announcement follows a comprehensive, multi-state search initiated by aerospace and aviation manufacturer, Williams International in 2023. Williams International’s planned high-volume aviation gas turbine engine manufacturing facility will be constructed in three phases within the Shoal River Industrial Park.
Numerous state, regional, and local partners worked together to facilitate this major economic development success story for Northwest Florida. In 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $3.2 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to expand manufacturing in Okaloosa County. FloridaCommerce partnered with several state and local organizations including CareerSource Florida, Florida’s Great Northwest, Space Florida, Okaloosa County, and Triumph Gulf Coast on this major economic development win for Florida.
“This billion-dollar investment is a major win for the Free State of Florida and for Floridians,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Williams International’s investment in the Florida Panhandle will create more than 330 jobs, and is a success story of the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund in Northwest Florida.”
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to attract advanced manufacturing throughout the state—strengthening Florida’s economy, and creating opportunties for job seekers and job creators,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “This is a win for Northwest Florida and was made possible through partnership with CareerSource Florida, Okaloosa County, One Okaloosa EDC, Space Florida, and Triumph Gulf Coast—Williams International’s investment in Florida will drive long-term economic growth and opportunity.”
“We are very excited about starting our next phase of growth in Northwest Florida”, said Gregg Williams, Chairman, President, and CEO of Williams International. “We are grateful to the Triumph board and for the strong, unified support from all of our Florida stakeholders that will enable us to create many high quality, high technology jobs producing the world’s best gas turbine engines.”
“This is an exciting win for Northwest Florida’s growing aviation industry sector, said Triumph Gulf Coast Chair Jay Trumbull, Sr. " Triumph is proud to continue its commitment to developing high paying jobs in the region. We are especially pleased to see this major manufacturer choose the Shoal River Industrial Park as its new home!”
“Northwest Florida is proving itself to be a rising hub for aerospace activity and an essential part of Florida’s expanding aerospace ecosystem. Williams International's expansion in this community is a stellar example of how new opportunities for innovation and investment are being built in every corner of the state—reinforcing all of Florida as the global and interplanetary center for aerospace commerce,” said Rob Long, president and CEO, Space Florida.
“This is a monumental project that will have a lasting impact on both Okaloosa County's economy and the entire region,” said Commissioner Paul Mixon, Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners. “We are fortunate to have been able to invest in the infrastructure at Shoal River Industrial Park to attract an aerospace industry leader like Williams International, and I am thankful to One Okaloosa EDC and Florida Commerce for their hard work and support in this effort.”
"Today's announcement is a true testament to the importance of preparation, partnerships and persistence. Without key partners like Governor DeSantis, FloridaCommerce, Triumph Gulf Coast, Florida's Great Northwest and many others who consistently supported Okaloosa County's vision for Shoal River Industrial Park, our community would not be celebrating this tremendous success today," said Nathan Sparks, Executive Director, One Okaloosa EDC.
The company’s first 250,000 sq. ft facility is slated to begin construction later this year, with completion scheduled for late 2026. Subsequent facilities will be constructed in 2028, with the final 500,000 sq. ft planned for the 2035/2036 timeframe.
Headquartered in Pontiac, Michigan, Williams International is the world leader in the design, manufacturing and support of aviation gas turbine engines. In addition to its world-class reputation for customer support, Williams is also well known for establishing highly integrated and automated manufacturing facilities in the world to support high-quality, high-volume production and on schedule delivery of its rapidly growing family of commercial and military products. For more information, please visit www.Williams-Int.com.
Contact: Governor’s Press Office, (850) 717-9282, media@eog.myflorida.com
Florida’s Great Northwest is the regional economic development organization for the Florida Panhandle. The organization was created to promote Northwest Florida for economic growth and diversification, advocate for economic development issues that affect the region, and collaborate to improve regional competitiveness. The organization accomplishes this in partnership with the state and local economic development organizations, rural regional economic development organization, utility partners, private sector businesses, local government, higher education institutions, workforce boards, and community leaders.
