International aerospace firm Safran to expand in Manatee, add 84 jobs
MANATEE -- International Paris-based aerospace manufacturer Safran will expand its operations in Manatee County through its company Labinal Power Systems.
Labinal Power Systems will bring operations from its New Jersey-based subsidiary Aerosource to the Labinal Power Systems' 125,000-square-foot property on Whitfield Avenue. Labinal Power Systems purchased the property from Eaton Corp. in April 2014 for just over $4 million.
The company's move qualified for $1.2 million in performance-based economic incentives from the State of Florida and Manatee County government. The Manatee County Board of County Commissioners approved $282,490 based on the creation of 84 new jobs over the next five years.
The company manufactures components for the "entire energy chain on board of an aircraft," according to Labinal Power Systems' website. It is an original equipment manufacturer and also provides maintenance, repair and overhaul services.
Customers of the aeronautical electrical system company include Airbus, Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Moving to Florida "will enhance the company's marketing capabilities for new business while significantly reducing costs," according to Denis Schaffer, Labinal Power Systems operations director.
"My understanding is that Florida is generally a hub for the aerospace industry, and so it just puts us a little closer to the customers," company spokeswoman Phoebe Hampton said. "If customers have a repair, it's easier to be closer to them than if you're shipping parts to another location to be repaired."
The move from New Jersey to Florida will "add new jobs in the next five years and include substantial building improvements and a new, high-level information system," according to a release from the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp.
"This expansion of Safran's presence in the Bradenton area not only will bring additional high-impact jobs and capital investment; it also demonstrates that Manatee County is becoming a hub for the aerospace industry, one of the targeted sectors in the EDC's new strategic plan," said Sharon Hillstrom, president and CEO of the Bradenton Area EDC.
Other targeted industries in the Bradenton Area EDC's four-year Build Bradenton Area Plan include advanced manufacturing, agriculture technologies, clean energy, corporate headquarters, infotech, life sciences and sports performance.
"Safran has grown its presence in Florida over the years via its five businesses and joint ventures, and currently employs approximately 500 people at locations across the state," Peter Lengyel, president and chief executive officer of Safran USA, said in Friday's press release. "Our Florida-based companies are dedicated to manufacturing and MRO activities for aircraft equipment and systems."
Janelle O'Dea, Herald business reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7095. Follow her on Twitter @jayohday.
This story was originally published February 19, 2016 at 4:57 PM with the headline "International aerospace firm Safran to expand in Manatee, add 84 jobs ."