Melbourne, Fla – March 8, 2012 — Embraer Aircraft has been awarded the 2011 Impact Award by the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce which recognizes the contribution of aviation companies to the area’s economy. Embraer is receiving the award for the development of a final-assembly center for the company’s Phenom Executive Jets as well as its global Customer Center.
"This is quite an honor and recognizes the firm partnership we have developed since our decision to come to the Space Coast and Melbourne for our first industrial site in the U.S.," said Phil Krull, Managing Director. "Key to this decision was the sophistication of the area’s workforce and the quality of life which have been instrumental in achieving our success. With this award, Embraer joins august companies and organizations such as Harris Corporation, Melbourne International Airport and the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast."
The Impact Award was presented during the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce Impact Awards Banquet on Friday, February 24 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto when Krull accepted the award on behalf of Embraer Aircraft.
In May 2008, Melbourne became the chosen location for a new, state-of-the-art final assembly facility, an investment of $50 million, as part of the company’s effort to bring operations closer to customers in its largest market. The first phase of the project opened in February 2011 with an 80,000-square-foot production and paint .
In December 2011, Embraer Executive Jets opened Phase II of the complex, a 58,000-square-foot Customer Center.
"The Customer Center is the hub of activity for customers from around the world who will come here to complete the design phase of their executive aircraft purchase," said Robert Knebel, Vice President of Sales for Embraer Executive Jets. "Customers will come to select colors, fabrics, paint schemes and options for their aircraft. In addition, the Customer Center will serve as the delivery site for all U.S.-assembled Phenom aircraft."
The new Embraer complex, located at Melbourne International Airport, achieved another major milestone in December when the first Melbourne-produced Phenom 100 entry-level executive jet made its first flight.
Embraer will complete the hiring of 200 high-wage jobs slated for the production and design complex by the end of 2012, absorbing some of the workforce impacted by the end of the Space Shuttle program.
