MELBOURNE, Fla. – Just prior to breaking ground on a new multi-million business jet assembly facility at Melbourne International Airport, the chief executive officer of Embraer jets promised a big role for this area in the company's future.
"Melbourne will be the center of gravity for Embraer Executive Jets," said Frederico Curado, president and chief executive officer of the Brazil-based Embraer S.A.
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Curado's comments came just moments before a ceremonial groundbreaking at Melbourne International for the company's Legacy 450 and 500 business jet. About 300 people were on hand for the Thursday event, which included remarks from Gov. Rick Scott, Local 6 News partner Florida Today reports.
Embraer already operates an assembly production facility for its Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 business jet, as well as an engineering and technology center and a global customer center.
The Legacy will mean four business jets will be assembled at Melbourne International.
The Legacy is expected to start production in 2016, which also will be when the first delivery of the Legacy is made. Company executives said the Legacy facility will mean 600 new jobs for the local economy.
That figure doesn't include spin-off jobs, places like restaurants, services or suppliers.
Those would be on top of the estimated 400 employees that Embraer already has in Melbourne for its other operations.
The Legacy's price tag starts at $20 million.
"In terms of performance we designed it to beat all the competitors," said Marco Julio Pellegrini, president of Embraer Executive Jets.