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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Prioria Robotics Invests $2 Million To Expand Its Operations in Gainesville, Florida

07/17/2012
Prioria Robotics, a developer and manufacturer of unmanned aerial vehicles, will invest $2 million in a corporate expansion project that will establish its headquarters in Gainesville, Florida, creating 40 jobs and retaining an additional 31.

"We are thrilled that Gainesville will be the location for our new corporate headquarters," said Bryan da Frota, CEO of Prioria Robotics. "Home to a growing start-up community that we are proud to be a part of, Gainesville also has incredible community leaders with whom we were able to form this innovative public private partnership. This partnership will help our company grow to the next level while creating high-tech jobs for the community."

Currently operating in downtown Gainesville, Prioria began seeking additional manufacturing and research and development space last year.

"Prioria's choice of Gainesville is an example of how Florida's business climate is conducive for headquarters establishments and business expansions, said Gray Swoope, president and CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state's principal economic development organization. "We are pleased to have the workforce and resources that can help Prioria achieve its business goals."

Prioria's main drivers for site location included state and community support, along with access to talent at the University of Florida and Santa Fe College. The company also considered locations offering an innovative economic development infrastructure. As part of an incentive program, state and local governments agreed to provide funding based on job creation goals.

"We sent a very clear message through the Innovation Gainesville plan for economic development that Gainesville and Alachua County will be relentless in growing and retaining our local startups and talent," said Michael Gallagher, chairman of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce. "Prioria's plan to expand right here at home reflects the area's commitment to creating high-skilled and high-wage jobs. Though courted by several other states offering competitive incentives packages, Prioria recognized that expanding in Gainesville was critical to the company's long-term growth and success."

After renovations are completed, Prioria will move into the 22,000 square-foot former Gainesville Regional Utilities maintenance facility off Depot Avenue, now termed the Power District by the CRA.

"Prioria needed downtown manufacturing space, and the company quickly identified that GRU's shuttered maintenance warehouse was the right choice for business," said Gainesville Mayor Craig Lowe. "I commend our CRA, the business community and our neighbors at the state and county for their partnership in seeing this project to fruition. Gainesville stands committed to job growth and increased opportunities for our great citizens."

"It is very exciting that Prioria, one of our very own local start-up technology companies, will continue to expand and invest in our community, especially in the urban core of Gainesville," said Alachua County Commission Chairwoman Paula DeLaney.

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