State of Florida and Williams International reveal major aerospace expansion with billion dollar investment set to transform Northwest Florida

Crestview, Florida – A historic investment is coming to Northwest Florida as Williams International and the State of Florida officially announced plans for a $1 billion aviation manufacturing facility in Okaloosa County. The project, to be developed in phases over the next decade, marks one of the most significant economic development undertakings in the region’s history and is expected to bring over 330 high-quality jobs to the Florida Panhandle.
The announcement, made from Crestview on Wednesday, highlights Williams International’s decision to build a high-volume gas turbine engine manufacturing facility at Shoal River Industrial Park. The Michigan-based company, globally recognized for its expertise in designing and producing aviation gas turbine engines, selected the Okaloosa site following a competitive multi-state site search that began in 2023.
Construction on the first phase of the project—a 250,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility—is scheduled to begin later this year. The second phase is expected in 2028, with the third and final phase, a 500,000-square-foot expansion, projected to be completed around 2035 or 2036.
Governor Ron DeSantis, who helped steer state support toward this investment, praised the development as a major economic win for Florida. “This billion-dollar investment is a major win for the Free State of Florida and for Floridians,” he said. “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.”
This major investment was made possible through the collaborative efforts of state and local partners, including FloridaCommerce, CareerSource Florida, Florida’s Great Northwest, Space Florida, Okaloosa County, and the economic development organization Triumph Gulf Coast.
In 2022, Governor DeSantis awarded $3.2 million from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to expand industrial infrastructure in Okaloosa County, helping pave the way for projects like this. The Shoal River Industrial Park was identified early on as a strategic location for advanced manufacturing growth, and that vision is now being realized.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to attract advanced manufacturing throughout the state—strengthening Florida’s economy, and creating opportunities 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.”
Williams International Chairman, President, and CEO Gregg Williams echoed the excitement. “We are very excited about starting our next phase of growth in Northwest Florida,” Williams said. “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.”
Known for its innovation and manufacturing excellence, Williams International’s move into Florida is seen as a powerful statement about the region’s readiness to support major players in the aerospace industry. The company has a strong history of automation and precision manufacturing and supports both commercial and military aviation programs worldwide.
Local leaders are also celebrating the announcement as a major breakthrough in the county’s long-term economic strategy. Commissioner Paul Mixon of the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners called the project “a monumental milestone.”
“This is a monumental project that will have a lasting impact on both Okaloosa County’s economy and the entire region,” Mixon said. “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 FloridaCommerce for their hard work and support in this effort.”
Triumph Gulf Coast Chair Jay Trumbull, Sr. described the development as a “win for Northwest Florida’s growing aviation industry sector,” adding that Triumph remains committed to creating high-paying jobs in the region.
Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long highlighted the broader implications for the state’s aerospace ambitions. “Northwest Florida is proving itself to be a rising hub for aerospace activity and an essential part of Florida’s expanding aerospace ecosystem,” he said. “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.”
The work behind the scenes to attract a company of this magnitude has been years in the making, and local economic development leaders say the win was no accident.
“Today’s announcement is a true testament to the importance of preparation, partnerships and persistence,” said Nathan Sparks, Executive Director of One Okaloosa EDC. “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.”
With construction soon to begin, attention now turns to building a workforce capable of sustaining this transformative investment. Workforce development and training partnerships will be key to ensuring local residents are prepared to step into the high-tech jobs that Williams International is bringing to the region.
As the facility takes shape, many in Northwest Florida see this project as more than just a business win—it’s a turning point that could define the region’s future for generations to come.