United Technology set to open $115 million facility in Palm Beach Gardens

By Ismael Rodriguez

United Technologies, a multinational conglomerate that specializes in the manufacturing of high-end technology and ranks among the world’s most respected and innovative companies, invested $115 million into a new facility set to open this year in Florida, promising to employ at least 450 employees while bringing 380 new jobs to the region, most of which have already been filled.

The 224,000-square-foot Center for Intelligent Buildings is being built on the south side of Donald Ross Road in Palm Beach Gardens after being wooed by a $7.6 million incentive package that Florida, Palm Beach County and Palm Beach Gardens offered in return for job opportunities to its residents.

“I think it’s a perfect location for us, close to customers across the U.S. Sun Belt and Latin America,” said Bob McDonough, president of United Technologies Climate, Controls & Security, at the groundbreaking ceremony on May 17.

McDonough also said the UTC Center is to become a destination not only for customers, but it will welcome architects, designers and engineers around the world.

The facility will showcase all United Technology Brands and serve as the global headquarters for Climate, Controls & Security. It will also house the Otis Americas regional team, which extends from the world’s largest manufacturer and maintainer of people-moving products with companies in more than 200 countries and territories.

Economic officials estimated the project would have a five-year economic impact of $662 million for the state.

Gov. Rick Scott, who attended the ceremony, told the press that bringing UTC Climate Controls & Security, the new facility and more jobs to Florida “is a big coup.”

“I like the fact they’re spending $115 million, but the best is they’re adding 380 jobs,” added Scott. “Even before we did this groundbreaking they added 250 new jobs.”