Probably the question I am most asked is “What big announcements are coming?” Regardless of where one lives in our community or what they do, they want to know what other companies are investing and growing in the Ocala Metro. This month, I am excited to share about two companies who we have recently announced are doing just that.
Averitt Express is a privately owned transportation and supply chain management company based in Cookeville, TN. The company has 5,000 employees and primarily services the Southeast US. This summer the company purchased the last parcel in the Ocala/Marion County Commerce Park, also home to FedEx Ground, AutoZone, Chewy, and Amazon. We announced that the CEP’s October exCEPtional Mornings breakfast that the company will be investing $30 million for the first phase of a new facility here. They will hire more than 30 new employees with an average wage of $69,000 annually.
At this same breakfast, we announced a major expansion from Antebellum Manufacturing. This company is a locally based manufacturer of aluminum fence, gates, and rails. The company is planning a new 140,000 sq. ft. facility located just outside the aforementioned Ocala/Marion County Commerce Park on NW 35th Street. With the expansion, the company will add nearly 200 employees at an average wage above the incentive target and total capital investment of $25 million.
These two announcements will result in the investment of more than $55 million and the creation of nearly 230 new jobs. They further expand our manufacturing and logistics industries and are being developed within the Urban Growth Boundary in and adjacent to a major industrial park. Finally, the wages are above our targeted wage, ensuring continued wage growth for the community.
As exciting as it is to welcome these two new companies, it is just the start. We anticipate being able to welcome two more companies next month and maybe one or two more in December. Growing and continued diversification of our economy is essential to the stability of our economy. As we continue to attract more and younger residents, this economic diversification builds a stronger future for all residents of the Ocala Metro.
