The new 150,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility will house a final assembly line, the first for Embraer in the United States. It will be capable of producing both the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 executive jet models, as well as a paint shop and a delivery and customer design center.

After a rigorous and thorough site selection process, Embraer felt that Melbourne satisfied all applicable operational requirements and strategies, according to the company.

Embraer expects to create about 200 skilled positions by 2011. These will be necessary to operate all aspects of the facility, including aircraft assembly, production planning, logistics and quality, aircraft interior design, corporate administration, engineering, and aircraft painting, delivery, and flight testing functions.

“Developing this new facility will allow Embraer to respond to the growing demands of its executive jets business and reaffirms our commitment to meet and exceed customer requirements and expectations,” said Frederico Fleury Curado, president and CEO of Embraer. “We are very excited and confident that our new location will be a successful step and a special milestone for the company. We look forward to working with local officials to finalize the proposal and begin the development of this new facility.”

Melbourne Mayor Harry Goode said the city and Melbourne International Airport have all the elements for the company’s continued success in the United States.

“A capital investment in our city and at our airport will significantly add to our tax base at a critical time in our community’s history,” he said. “I’m excited at the opportunity to finalize this package and move forward. There are also a multitude of added benefits for the community, since clients coming to the facility will likely spend in areas such as hotel accommodations, restaurant patronage and visiting local attractions. This could be a real win for Melbourne.”

Lynda L. Weatherman, president and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, said Embraer could have sited this facility anywhere in the world.

“But they chose Melbourne,” she said. “It is the highest compliment any company can bestow upon our community. [Embraer] recognized Melbourne for our strengths in not only a qualified and ready work force, but in our business climate and necessary infrastructure.”

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