Florida Governor Celebrates Oakridge Global Energy
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Oakridge Global Energy Solutions, developer and manufacturer of energy storage products, was the center of attention when Florida Governor Rick Scott held a press conference at the company’s new corporate headquarters and manufacturing center to celebrate its upcoming expansion plans and their positive impact on the local community.
The event took place October 6 when Governor Scott, along with Space Coast Economic Development Commission CEO Lynda Weatherman, City of Palm Bay Mayor William Capote, and several local dignitaries and business entrepreneurs, visited Oakridge’s new facility in Palm Bay, Florida, to highlight the company’s expansion and subsequent creation of 1,000 new jobs in the community.
The expansion is part of Oakridge’s existing and ongoing $270 million investment in its Brevard County lithium ion battery development and sprawling new 68,718-square-foot facility – a necessary upgrade from the company’s previous 12,500-square-foot building.
After his tour of the new facility, Governor Scott addressed the throng of major media outlets from Central Florida, stating, “Oakridge Global Energy Solutions could have moved their headquarters anywhere in the world and I am proud to announce that they chose to remain in Florida and create 1,000 new jobs. Growing businesses like Oakridge…create opportunities for Floridians to provide for their families and build great careers, and that is why we will work with the Legislature to fully fund Enterprise Florida so more businesses have the opportunity to grow in Florida.”
The governor also bestowed the prestigious “Governor’s Business Ambassador” Medal to Oakridge executive chairman and CEO Steve Barber, who commented, “I am excited to receive such a distinction from Governor Scott and his strong backing for what we are doing at Oakridge on the Space Coast. In Governor Scott, the State of Florida has a great leader committed to job creation, and I know that we have made the right decision to continue our growth strategy for Oakridge by staying in Florida, especially on the Space Coast and in Palm Bay. Few things matter more to families than well-paying jobs. This celebration today is really about 1,000 Florida families who are now going to have good jobs in the future for the long term at Oakridge. The ‘Governor’s Business Ambassador’ medal will hang proudly in my office as we create those jobs.
“We really appreciate the support of Governor Scott, Enterprise Florida, the EDC of Florida’s Space Coast, and our local partners at the City of Palm Bay, especially Major Capote, as we begin this great expansion. Oakridge is proud to be a Florida business that offers high quality, ‘Made in America’ products to customers across the world.”
Bill Johnson, president and CEO of Enterprise Florida, also attended the event and noted the significance of new job creation to the local economy.
“Oakridge Global Energy Solutions’ expansion and creation of 1,000 new jobs is exciting news for our state. As we continue to diversify our economy and market, Florida is the best state for business. Projects like Oakridge are great examples of what we can accomplish as a state,” he said.
Oakridge’s planned jobs growth and corporate expansion will start immediately and continue to roll-out throughout the course of approximately three years.
For more information visit www.oakg.net
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