The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) has announced that Harris Corporation, an international communications information technology company, headquartered on the Space Coast, will create a new $100-million high-tech center on its Palm Bay campus that will become the centerpiece for some of the company’s most advanced engineering efforts.
The planned six-story, 450,000 square-foot center is part of a broader modernization initiative designed to foster engineering innovation, while retaining existing workforce and attracting new highly skilled engineers to the region. The center will create 100 new technical and support jobs and anticipates 300 construction jobs to be created over the next three years as well. At full employment, Harris Corp.’s total economic impact is projected to be over $1 billion.
“Harris engineers develop some of the world’s most trusted technology solutions, which touch billions of lives every day,” said Bill Brown, president & CEO of Harris Corporation.
“This major initiative demonstrates our commitment to provide employees with world-class working environments that help foster innovative solutions for our customers around the globe. This long-term investment also reaffirms Harris’ commitment to maintaining our strong presence here in Central Florida,” Brown added. “We thank all of the state, regional and local organizations that are helping to making this possible.”
The EDC and the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners played an integral role in this project. The EDC led the collaboration among all partners and served as the interface with state officials. “Harris’ steadfast commitment to maintaining a presence on the Space Coast will continue to cement our region as a driving force in communications and technology,” said Lynda Weatherman, president & CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. “Harris’ worldwide innovative solutions along with this new center will help retain a highly skilled and readily able workforce while continuing to mitigate the shuttle-related job loss gap.”
Commissioner Robin Fisher, Chairman of the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, added, “The announcement that the Harris Corporation is creating a new High Technology Center at their Palm Bay facility signifies Brevard County’s commitment to ensuring one of our community’s innovative pioneers remains a prominent fixture on the Space Coast.”
The City of Palm Bay worked with Harris to develop this project that facilitates the campus upgrades and also provides public roadway, utility and aesthetic improvements. The City assisted the company in securing both state and federal economic development funds to be used towards the Troutman/Clearmont realignment project.
“The Palm Bay campus of Harris Corporation has traditionally been an icon of innovation and technology in our community,” said City of Palm Bay Mayor John Mazziotti. “The City of Palm Bay is excited to partner with Harris to create a new campus environment that will further demonstrate their focus on leading-edge technology. We sincerely appreciate the investments made by Harris, the State of Florida and the Economic Development Administration that will result in technology-related jobs in Palm Bay and Brevard County.”
