Aviation Cluster Expands Anew at Melbourne International

MELBOURNE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Melbourne International Airport’s reputation as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation manufacturing and maintenance hubs has helped secure another international tenant for the airport.

“We’ve been talking to Embraer, and they have a vision for Melbourne”

Archo Solutions Engineering USA, a subsidiary of Solutions Design & Engineering of Sao Paolo, Brazil, will establish operations at the Florida Tech Research Park at Melbourne International Airport. Company officials signed lease agreements earlier this month to open Archo’s first U.S. facility at the 100-acre research park, a partnership between the airport and the Florida Institute of Technology. The Melbourne Airport Authority approved the lease today.

Archo plans to create 50 jobs by 2016 with operations focusing on design engineering solutions in aeronautical, automotive and naval sectors, as well as production of cabling, avionics racks and wiring harnesses. Consultancy and project management could be added.

“Melbourne is a major aviation and aerospace cluster that will grow over the next 10 years, and we will grow with them,” said Ivan Avila, Archo’s chief operations officer.

Research park executives began courting Archo in May at the Expo Aero Brasil 2012. Archo worked primarily with John Thomas, Florida Tech’s assistant vice president for economic development and community affairs.

“We are working diligently to build a world-class, international aviation-aerospace community at the research park, and Archo clearly exemplifies the type of tenant we desire,” Thomas said.

Avila also credited officials at the airport, the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast and others with creating a supportive environment that convinced Archo to choose Melbourne over other suitors.

Brazilian aviation giant Embraer’s presence at the airport strongly influenced Archo’s decision, Avila said. Embraer is one of Archo’s biggest clients.

“We’ve been talking to Embraer, and they have a vision for Melbourne,” he said. “We are following that vision.”

The Archo lease adds to the airport’s growing list of aerospace tenants, including Embraer, Northrop Grumman, Rockwell Collins, AAR and MidairUSA.

“The international market is taking notice of the airport’s significant growth in aviation and aerospace manufacturing,” said Executive Director Richard A. Ennis.

For more information go to www.MLBair.com/EconomicOpportunities.aspx or call 321-723-6227 ext. 211.