Peter Denoncourt says there wasn't one particular thing that stood out about Northeast Florida when Saft America Inc. went looking for a new location to build a manufacturing plant for its lithium-ion batteries; it was a combination of factors that made this seven-county region attractive.
Two-thirds of the 50 million people living in the southeastern United States are within 600 miles of this region, which is home to more than 80 corporate, regional and divisional business headquarters; a combination of quiet neighborhoods and bustling urban centers; miles of pristine Atlantic coastline; and a wealth of cultural and recreational opportunities, not to mention America's oldest city — St. Augustine. And with three interstate highways, three major rail lines, two deepwater ports and four marine terminals, Northeast Florida offers some of the best transportation options available.
Since Saft America plans on using its new factory as a "showcase" to both domestic and international clients interested in alternative energy sources, convenience played heavily into the site decision. Jacksonville International Airport, with 200 arrivals and departures daily, provides easy access to the factory, which is located at nearby Cecil Commerce Center North.
Saft America Inc. already has five manufacturing plants in the southeastern U.S., mostly in rural areas. However, for this new 235,000-square-foot factory for the production of lithium-ion batteries, the company required a more sophisticated site and Jacksonville seemed the perfect fit, says Denoncourt. "This city has more of an international feel."
"We expect to do a lot of work,'' Denoncourt says, noting that at full capacity, the Jacksonville facility will produce an estimated $300 million worth of batteries annually. To meet demand, Saft is expected to hire as many as 280 workers at salaries that are approximately 15% above the average statewide wage. Many of the hires, Denoncourt adds, will likely be drawn from the region's plentiful pool of former military employees.
More Regional Assets
Universities/Colleges: Edward Waters College, Flagler College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville State University, St. Johns River Community College, and the University of North Florida
Airports: Jacksonville International Airport and Northeast Florida Regional Airport at St. Augustine
Seaports: Port of Fernandina and Port of Jacksonville
Spaceport: Cecil Field Spaceport
Source: Business Florida 2011 - The Regions. Northeast-Connecting to the World. Northeast Florida offers international companies the right mix of amenities and global connections. http://www.floridatrend.com/biz_fl_article.asp?page=1&aID=53633
It is encouraging to read about the addition of a company that generates products that will be in demand now and into the immediate future. Though lithium ion batteries cannot be classified as a renewable energy source, they are key elements in dealing with increasing demand for smart energy usage. The addition of more companies of this type would probably add much needed diversity to the economy of the region. The article highlights some of the regional assets that probably are, and should continue to be, part of the marketing package the city uses when appealing to new industries.
ReplyDeleteYes, the region has a good portfolio of universities and colleges, but are those institutions operating in a fashion that is appealing to industries in need of well-educated and skilled workers? With the exception of the Florida State College at Jacksonville, none of the institutions can be classified as nimble or highly responsive to current and future educational needs. None of the institutions can be classified as having a commitment to research. Though progress is being made, only modest strides have been taken towards achieving a well-educated populace in the region. If the regional higher education institutions are to be part of the marketing package, it is possible the missions of those institutions need to be tweaked.
It is encouraging to read about the addition of a company that generates products that will be in demand now and into the immediate future. Though lithium ion batteries cannot be classified as a renewable energy source, they are key elements in dealing with increasing demand for smart energy usage. The addition of more companies of this type would probably add much needed diversity to the economy of the region. The article highlights some of the regional assets that probably are, and should continue to be, part of the marketing package the city uses when appealing to new industries.
ReplyDeleteYes, the region has a good portfolio of universities and colleges, but are those institutions operating in a fashion that is appealing to industries in need of well-educated and skilled workers? With the exception of the Florida State College at Jacksonville, none of the institutions can be classified as nimble or highly responsive to current and future educational needs. None of the institutions can be classified as having a commitment to research. Though progress is being made, only modest strides have been taken towards achieving a well-educated populace in the region. If the regional higher education institutions are to be part of the marketing package, it is possible the missions of those institutions need to be tweaked.
It is encouraging to read about the addition of a company that generates products that will be in demand now and into the immediate future. Though lithium ion batteries cannot be classified as a renewable energy source, they are key elements in dealing with increasing demand for smart energy usage. The addition of more companies of this type would probably add much needed diversity to the economy of the region. The article highlights some of the regional assets that probably are, and should continue to be, part of the marketing package the city uses when appealing to new industries.
ReplyDeleteYes, the region has a good portfolio of universities and colleges, but are those institutions operating in a fashion that is appealing to industries in need of well-educated and skilled workers? With the exception of the Florida State College at Jacksonville, none of the institutions can be classified as nimble or highly responsive to current and future educational needs. None of the institutions can be classified as having a commitment to research. Though progress is being made, only modest strides have been taken towards achieving a well-educated populace in the region. If the regional higher education institutions are to be part of the marketing package, it is possible the missions of those institutions need to be tweaked.