WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott visited Pratt & Whitney, a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units, to highlight their recent job growth. In 2012, Governor Scott joined Pratt & Whitney in announcing plans to create over 200 new jobs. Pratt & Whitney has exceeded their job creation goals for 2013 and 2014, and have already created more than 90 new jobs for families in West Palm Beach.

Governor Rick Scott said, “I am excited that Pratt & Whitney is on track to create over 200 new jobs for Florida families. In the last two years alone, they have created more than 90 new jobs, which is great news. Florida is a leader in aerospace and aviation, and Enterprise Florida is working hard to help companies like Pratt & Whitney expand in our state. We must ensure the Legislature fully funds EFI during the next Legislative session so more businesses will choose to grow and create jobs in Florida.”

Eric Ross, general manager, Pratt & Whitney West Palm Beach Engine Center said, “We appreciate the support of Governor Scott, Enterprise Florida, and our local partners as we expand our capabilities in West Palm Beach. This expansion involves Pratt & Whitney’s most advanced commercial and military engines and builds upon the great work already being done here. This project would not have been possible without the support of Enterprise Florida. We look forward to continued growth, job creation and a strong partnership with the State of Florida and Palm Beach County.”

Kelly Smallridge, President of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County said, “Working with Enterprise Florida and Governor Scott, we were able to bring Pratt and Whitney to West Palm Beach, which has resulted in more jobs for our local community. We must continue to support Enterprise Florida’s toolkit and diversify our economy with companies like Pratt and Whitney to keep West Palm Beach competitive for generations to come.”

EFI president and CEO Bill Johnson said, “Florida is a leader in the aviation and aerospace industry thanks to Governor Scott’s leadership. Florida is #1 for aviation manufacturing attractiveness, #1 for aviation and aerospace manufacturing workforce, and #2 in aviation, aerospace, and space establishments. Companies like Pratt & Whitney are expanding and helping to grow Florida’s strong aviation and aerospace industry.”

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jesse Panuccio said, “One of the great economic success stories for Palm Beach County and Florida is the rapid job growth at Pratt & Whitney.  Their success is evidence of the business-friendly environment Florida has fostered and the commitment of this administration to the development of the manufacturing industry.”

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Pratt & Whitney a United Technologies Corp., company, is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries.

Enterprise Florida, Inc. is a partnership between Florida’s business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida. Enterprise Florida’s mission is to facilitate job growth for Florida’s businesses and citizens leading to a vibrant statewide economy. In pursuit of its mission, Enterprise Florida works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

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