Area Development
Thales, a France-based global technology leader for the aerospace, transport, defense and security markets, will expand in Orlando, Florida. The company plans on adding 173 new jobs in the region and investing $6.5 million in the local community.

Alan Pellegrini, President/CEO of Thales USA, said, “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Rick Scott and other state and local officials, we are pleased to be able to further expand our competitive footprint in Florida. The state’s pro-business agenda is helping to enable our targeted growth.”

“Thales’ expansion in Orlando will bring high-quality and high-paying jobs to the region while elevating and diversifying our economy,” said Orlando EDC Chair, David Fuller. “By highlighting our talented and exceptional workforce, the Orlando EDC was able to help win this project and I am proud of the work done by the team and all of its partners.”

Partners in the expansion include Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, Orange County/City of Orlando, Orlando Economic Development Commission, CareerSource Florida and Enterprise Florida.

“The Orlando region’s aviation, aerospace and defense industry, with an annual payroll of $1.5 billion, is one of the strongest in the country,” said Holly Wiedman, Executive Vice President of Orlando Economic Development Commission. “Our highly trained workforce is an asset that continues to enable our economy to grow jobs in this field and we are so pleased Thales has chosen to expand in the Orlando region.”