Global Business Solutions Inc., a firm focusing on information technology services and technical training, will expand its corporate headquarters in the Pensacola, Florida area, as part of a five year plan that will see it hire as many as 120 full-time employees.

Global Business Solutions currently employs 110 Information Technology professionals in eight states, with corporate headquarters located in Pensacola, Florida and West Coast operations in the Seattle, Washington region.

In addition to strong performance in its government IT services and commercial training divisions, GBSI founder and CEO Randy Ramos credits the growing demand for the company’s Virtual Instructor-led Training technology as one catalyst for the growth plan. The company plans to hire a mix of government contract support, commercial IT, training, and corporate support positions in the Pensacola region.

“Our VILT technology has emerged from the research and development stage and is now being implemented throughout our own GBSI training facilities, as well as in classrooms we provide for our largest commercial customers, including The Boeing Company,” said Ramos. “VILT classrooms offer a borderless learning environment that connects instructors with students anywhere in the world, and we expect the rapid expansion of this powerful technology to continue.”

"GBSI's commitment to grow its operations in our region, adding more than 100 jobs to our flourishing information technology and cybersecurity sectors, is validation of our region's ever-progressing climate for success," said Greater Pensacola Chamber President and CEO Jim Hizer.

According to the company, two of Florida’s incentive programs aimed at increasing high-skill, high-wage jobs in-state were factors in moving the growth plan forward. GBSI qualified for awards from the Industry Recruitment, Retention and Expansion Fund Grant Program, which is administered by the University of West Florida. The company was also approved for a Florida Qualified Target Industry tax refund as an incentive for creating the jobs.

“We would not be able to move forward at such rapid pace without these partnerships,” said Ramos. “As our company continues to grow across all divisions, I anticipate hiring and expansion plans will begin to move even more quickly.”

Secretary of Commerce and President and CEO of Enterprise Florida Gray Swoope said, “Enterprise Florida remains committed to enhancing Florida’s economy by actively helping companies like Global Business Solutions expand in the state. Global Business Solutions’ continued growth and investment in the region is a testament to Florida’s competitiveness and supportive business climate. We are thrilled that they have chosen to grow in Pensacola.”