Okaloosa County secures $1B aircraft manufacturing complex at Shoal River Ranch Giga site

The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners is poised to make a significant impact on the local economy with the announcement of a major manufacturing project at the Shoal River Ranch Giga site. This initiative, which has been in the works since 2018, is set to bring a $1.04 billion investment to the area, marking it as the largest economic development project in Northwest Florida's history.

The project involves the construction of a 1,000,000 square foot manufacturing complex dedicated to critical aircraft systems for both commercial and defense markets. The site, covering 135 acres, will be developed in phases, with the first phase of 250,000 square feet required to be completed by December 2026. Subsequent phases will follow, with the entire project expected to be finished by 2036.

This ambitious plan is projected to create 336 jobs, with salaries averaging between $69,003 and $94,434 annually—well above the current average wage of $56,849 in the county. The board emphasized the importance of strategic planning, land acquisition, and infrastructure investments that have paved the way for this opportunity, which was made possible through collaboration with Triumph Gulf Coast and Florida Commerce.

The urgency of this project is underscored by the competitive nature of the proposal, which involved multiple states vying for the investment. Okaloosa County has been informed that it has been selected for this opportunity, contingent upon establishing the right framework for the project.

As the community looks forward to the potential benefits of this development, the board remains committed to ensuring that the vision for Shoal River Ranch becomes a reality, ultimately enhancing the economic landscape of Okaloosa County.