French Aeronautics supplier will create 40 jobs and approximately $1.2 million in capital investment in Brevard County

MELBOURNE, Fla – Today, Governor Scott announced the grand opening of Vision Systems new manufacturing facility in Melbourne. Vision Systems is an aviation and aerospace tier one supplier for aeronautics. The project will create 40 jobs with a capital investment of approximately $1.2 million in Brevard County. This announcement comes after Governor Scott and Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope met with the CEO of Vision Systems during the TEAM Florida trade and business development mission to the 50^th Paris International Air Show last year.

Governor Scott said, “The opening of Vision Systems’ manufacturing facility is great news for families in Melbourne. These 40 new jobs mean that more Floridians will be able to provide for their families. Florida businesses have created more than 600,000 new private-sector jobs since December 2010, and we will keep working to create an opportunity economy where every Floridian who wants a job can get one.”

Based in France, Vision Systems is a leading company of first tier systems supplier for the aeronautics industry. The company has designed systems for business jets, helicopters, regional and commercial aircrafts for more than 20 years. Vision Systems will bring engineering and manufacturing jobs that will produce solutions for solar protection, cabin management and multimedia systems integrating connectivity and wireless audio distribution, as well as composite parts. Vision Systems considered moving to Georgia, North Carolina and Texas before choosing Melbourne. Vision Systems’ 12,000-square foot facility will be its first-ever subsidiary and foreign direct investment in the U.S.

"We are delighted that our project benefits from the help of the State of Florida and the City of Melbourne. It is essential for Vision Systems to be located in America, closer to our customers. This new production unit will enable us to expand our business activities in this area, not only in the aeronautics industry but also on the automotive and marine markets and to become a world leading player in solar protection for business and commercial aircrafts based on recognized breakthrough innovations” stated Carl Putman, President of Vision Systems.

Florida ranks number one among states for air transportation and flight training businesses with more than 2,000 aerospace and aviation companies employing more than 87,000 workers across the state. Florida manufacturers, like Vision Systems, are a powerful economic engine for the state’s economy. In addition to removing unnecessary taxes on manufacturers, Florida’s strong workforce and top-ranked infrastructure make it the perfect state for manufacturers to locate and expand. The industry cluster counts nearly 18,000 manufacturers who employ more than 300,000 workers across the state.

Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope said, “Vision Systems’ grand opening in Florida will add value to our extensive aviation and manufacturing industries. Thanks to the new law Governor Scott has helped put into place exempting tax on manufacturing equipment, companies know Florida is a leader for economic development. I look forward to Vision Systems’ future success.”

The project would not have been possible without a strong partnership at the state and local levels. Partners that helped make this project a success include Enterprise Florida, Inc., the City of Melbourne, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

“Vision Systems’ opening of its manufacturing facility in Florida strengthens our reputation as the best place to do business in the aerospace and aviation industries. With Governor Scott’s support, and the hard work of our partners at EFI, Florida’s economy is experiencing a remarkable turnaround and continues to outpace the national recovery. Companies like Vision Systems that produce high-wage, high-tech jobs in the STEM industries will assist in furthering Florida’s economic growth in the long-term,” said Jesse Panuccio, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

“The City of Melbourne is proud to collaborate closely with relocating businesses like Vision Systems to provide them with the support they need to create jobs and invest in our community,” said Melbourne Mayor Kathy Meehan. “We are committed to sustainable growth, creating job opportunities for residents, and maintaining and improving our high quality of life.”

“Vision Systems’ selection of Melbourne for its first-ever subsidiary and foreign direct investment in the U.S. reinforces the Space Coast’s status as a banner hub for aviation and manufacturing in the State of Florida,” said Lynda Weatherman, President & CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. “The company’s presence in Brevard further diversifies our international connections and will serve as a catalyst for economic growth in these markets.”

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 Vision Systems, headquartered in France for more than 80 years, the Vision Systems group is divided into three activities: Vision Systems Aeronautics designs and produces innovative solutions for business jets, helicopters, regional and commercial aircrafts: solar protection, IFEC, CMS, video surveillance, composite structures and thermoformed parts; Vision Systems Automotive provides global solutions for the land transport and specific vehicles: CCTV, solar protection, driver protection door, side mirrors and driver assistancesystems; Vision Systems Marine offers solar protection, cabin management, multimedia and video surveillance systems. Vision Systems combines complementary skills in electronics, mechanics and composite to provide ever more innovative solutions for cost reduction, heightened safety and improved comfort.

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida.  EFI facilitates job growth for Florida businesses through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses.