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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

OneWeb Satellites Plans Major Satellite Manufacturing Hub Near Florida’s Kennedy Space Center

04/19/2016
OneWeb Satellites, a company working to create satellite based communications network capable of delivering internet connectivity globally, will be locating a 100,000 square feet satellite manufacturing facility on Florida’s Space Coast at Exploration Park just south of Kennedy Space Center.

Funded by technology entrepreneur and former Google executive Greg Wyler, OneWeb Satellites will design, build and launch an extensive network of small, low earth orbit satellites that will enable the delivery of internet services to every corner of the Earth at a low cost. These satellites will be manufactured at the Space Coast facility and will be mass produced utilizing fewer components making them lighter and easier to launch.

According to the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, the company plans to make a capital investment of nearly $85 million and projects the creation of 250 high tech manufacturing and engineering jobs with an average wage of $65,579 within five years. The annual projected economic impact is estimated to be in excess of $36 million upon project completion.

Brian Holz, CEO of OneWeb Satellites said, “I’m really pleased that we have selected Florida for our new manufacturing, assembly and test operations facility. In addition to the factory development, Space Florida has also offered significant investment in our test equipment. We anticipate many of our suppliers to locate nearby given the unique nature of our operations and the pro-business climate offered by Florida. The facility will be a big part of our ability to lower satellite costs and speedily move forward and together with Airbus Defense and Space to grow the business long term. It will directly benefit OneWeb’s customers.”

The EDC of Florida’s Space Coast worked diligently with Space Florida, Department of Economic Opportunity, Brevard County, the North Brevard Economic Development Zone and Enterprise Florida for over a year on this highly competitive project. This included extensive research, serving as regional economic liaison and managing all aspects of the proposal to ensure the best business case was demonstrated.

“Once again Brevard County is chosen to manufacture an innovative product unique to the aerospace industry, demonstrating our position as a leader in capturing the next generation of space related activities,” stated Lynda Weatherman, President/CEO of Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast.

Frank DiBello, President/CEO of Space Florida said, “The announcement of OneWeb’s presence here at Exploration Park is one that perfectly aligns with Space Florida’s vision of the Cape Canaveral Spaceport and Florida as the world’s leading space commerce center. Our ever-expanding commercial space industry at the Cape Canaveral Spaceport will now be home to the most advanced satellite manufacturing capability in the world, and Space Florida looks forward to OneWeb Satellite’s success.”

“In just a few short years, Brevard County has achieved what many others have not; achieving major economic growth after a major economic downturn" said Brevard County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Jim Barfield. “The shutdown of the Shuttle program with the cancellation of the Constellation program forced us to create our own future; bringing manufacturing, aerospace, and aviation companies like Embraer and others here. Coupled with Brevard County’s excellent quality of life, tourism, and education system we are positioned well as we work together to keep the momentum going.”

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