BUSINESS
Local officials and representatives from Accel International and Sina Companies break ground for Accel’s new manufacturing plant Dec. 9.
Malcolm Sina, executive chairman of Sina Companies, the
project’s developer, explained how nice it is to work with
city officials.
“We began our relationship with Accel over two years ago
by initially searching for an exciting facility to renovate,” Sina
said. “Not being able to find a viable option, we considered
many alternatives within the southeastern U.S. for a groundup
facility and finally chose Port St. Lucie.
“Having developed projects in over 30 states, it has been
a real pleasure working with everyone in the city of Port St.
Lucie, St. Lucie County, and the state of Florida.”
Also attending the groundbreaking was Florida Secretary
of Commerce Mark Adler, who was making his first official
appearance following his appointment on Dec. 8 to the position
of commerce secretary and interim president/CEO of
Enterprise Florida.
“This is what we do,” Adler said. “It’s exactly what we need
to be focusing on, in particular a focus on manufacturing.
“Florida is open for business.”
The state funded $3 million in 2017 toward the development
of the road the facility is located on.
“Our focus on recruiting clean, high-paying manufacturing
jobs to St. Lucie County continues to pay off,” said Pete
Tesch, president of the Economic Development Council of
St. Lucie County. “We are very proud that Port St. Lucie was
selected for Accel’s expansion over two sites in Connecticut
and one in North Carolina.”
The EDC is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated
to promoting economic vitality in St. Lucie County through
the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses in
the community. The EDC works in partnership with local
MAUREEN SALTZER
At least 125 NEW JOBS
will be created by the company’s
capital investment of $55 million
for the 150,000-square-foot
building and the manufacturing
equipment. Average annual
earnings per worker at the plant
are estimated to be $47,000 PLUS
BENEFITS, 16% HIGHER than St.
Lucie County’s average wage.
governments and the private sector to advance its goals of
creating more and better-paying jobs for residents, broadening
the tax base and improving St. Lucie County’s economic
quality of life. Visit www.youredc.com or call 772.336.6250 for
more information.
The company’s vice president of sales, Kyle Senk, told the
approximately 100 attendees at the ceremony that Accel’s
manufacturing equipment is expected to arrive at the new
site in June or July. Senk said the project is the company’s
largest capital investment to date, and will be its most technologically
advanced. E
Port St. Lucie Magazine 41
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