Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton announced today that Alenia North America, Inc. will build a final assembly and delivery center for the C-27J Spartan cargo plane at Cecil Commerce Center, pending final approval of the transaction from the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission and the Jacksonville City Council.  The project would add 300 new, full-time jobs to the local market at an average wage of $55,000 – more than 150 percent of the state average wage.

In addition, Alenia expects to invest approximately $42 million in new, private capital for manufacturing equipment, technology, infrastructure and furniture, along with $65 million in construction costs.  Overall, the project is expected to contribute more than $100 million in capital investments to Duval County’s tax base. 

“This community made a decision more than a year ago to pursue commercial development at Cecil Commerce Center.  We knew that this area held tremendous opportunity as we work to bring stable, high-wage jobs to Jacksonville,” said Mayor Peyton.  “I greatly appreciate Gov. Crist, a great partner in economic development for our state, for his participation in helping to secure the state level incentives for recruiting this company.”

“Today’s announcement is a big win for Cecil Commerce Center and the City of Jacksonville,” the mayor continued.  “It is a clear indication this community made the right decision. Alenia North America is a well-known, highly respected company and this new assembly and production activity will enhance Jacksonville’s economy and strengthen two of our local target industries – aviation/aerospace and manufacturing, as well as aid the redevelopment of Cecil Commerce Center.”

The company is currently pursing economic incentives from the city, state and the Jacksonville Airport Authority (JAA).  These combined incentives are critical to the site location decision-making process by helping to offset the costs of locating in Jacksonville and ensuring that Jacksonville is competitive with offers being made by other locations under consideration.

The JAA package was unanimously approved at a July 28 board meeting and showcases a collaborative effort between all parties. 

 “Alenia North America’s decision to locate the C-27J Military Cargo Aircraft final assembly and delivery center at Cecil Field will further strengthen our city’s position as an aviation and aerospace mecca,” stated JAA Board of Directors Chairman, Russ Jollivette. “The Jacksonville Aviation Authority is continuing to invest millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements at Cecil Field, including the pavement of entry roadways, aprons, taxiways and parking lots. These improvements will ensure that we are ‘shovel-ready’ when the next big aviation company wants to locate here.”

”We are grateful for the leadership and efforts of the State of Florida and all the local municipalities to date to bring this project to Cecil Field Commerce Center,” said Giuseppe Giordo, president and chief executive officer of Alenia North America.  “Alenia is proud to join the strong business community in Jacksonville and Duval County.”

The U.S. Army and Air Force selected the C-27J Spartan for the Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) program in 2007. The C-27J has a maximum payload of over 25,000 lbs. and can be configured for any mission: troops, medevac, airdrop or cargo. The Joint Cargo Aircraft is central to the U.S. Army’s Aviation Modernization program, a restructure and revitalization of its aviation assets to reflect current and anticipated needs.

Alenia North America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alenia Aeronautica, the largest Italian Aerospace company and a worldwide leader in commercial and military aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles and aerostructures.  Alenia Aeronautica has revenues in excess of $2.95 billion and a total workforce of more than 10,500 employees.