GOVERNOR CRIST WELCOMES UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORP.’S FIRE & SECURITY UNITS TO FLORIDA
~~ ~UTC Fire & Security expands Florida presence, plans new research and test center ~ ~~
July 30, 2010
Contact:
GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE – In a boost to the state’s economy, UTC Fire & Security – a business unit of United Technologies Corp. – will solidify and expand its presence in Florida by locating the headquarters for its Global Security Products, Global Fire Products and Fire & Security Services groups in the state, and by establishing a new fire research and test center here.
“UTC’s decision to strengthen its presence in our state is a vote of confidence in Florida’s ability to help the company achieve long-term business goals,” said Governor Crist. “Our support of such efforts is vital to ensuring continuous economic growth and diversification.”
When UTC Fire & Security acquired GE Security earlier this year, it took ownership of facilities in Palm Beach and Manatee counties. After reaching agreement with state and local officials, the company committed to retaining approximately 338 jobs in Florida, creating 45 new positions, relocating certain headquarters operations to Lakewood Ranch in Manatee County, and developing a multi-million-dollar Fire Innovation and Test Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The agreement secures hundreds of well-paying Florida jobs, many in the managerial and technical fields, and sets the stage for future employment growth. Plans for a new research and test center will build the tax base and increase construction employment.
UTC Fire & Security President William Brown commented that the consolidation of these businesses in Florida allows the company to make best use of existing facilities while serving its growing global customer base. “The incentive from the state of Florida has allowed us to maximize our state-of-the-art training facilities, product research laboratories, customer demonstration areas and available office space," he said.
“The location of UTC Fire & Security’s Global Fire Products and Global Security Products world headquarters in Manatee County will retain 227 well-paying jobs and add 23 new jobs,” said Manatee County Administrator Ed Hunzeker. “By judiciously applying local performance-based incentives to this project, the Manatee Board of County Commissioners continues to demonstrate its commitment to working with the Manatee Economic Development Council and the State of Florida in supporting the growth of good jobs in our community.”
The new fire test center will allow UTC Fire & Security to test its broad range of fire product innovations, as well as host live demonstrations for customers in real-world situations. Groundbreaking on the new facility will take place in late 2010.
“UTC Fire & Security is an extremely important corporate partner and employer in Palm Beach County,” added Kelly Smallridge, president and CEO of the Business Development Board. “With the unwavering support of the Board of County Commissioners and the City of Boca Raton, we were happy to assist them in their desire to maintain the presence of their Fire and Security division here. We are also very excited about the establishment of the Fire Innovation and Test Center and look forward to a continued partnership with UTC.”
UTC Fire & Security provides fire safety and security solutions to more than 1 million customers worldwide. Headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut, UTC Fire & Security is a business unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), which provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries worldwide.