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🛠️ Williams International is bringing over $1 billion in economic impact and 330 high-paying jobs to Crestview with a new manufacturing facility at Shoal River Ranch.
🎓 Workforce readiness and training programs at Northwest Florida State College helped seal the deal, offering skills aligned with jet engine manufacturing.
🚜 Shoal River Ranch is no longer just a vision — with infrastructure already underway, it’s now a centerpiece of Northwest Florida’s economic future.
CRESTVIEW — What began more than a year ago as a confidential economic development proposal known only as “Project Opal” has now been publicly revealed as a landmark deal.
Williams International, a jet engine manufacturer, is building its second U.S. facility at Shoal River Ranch in Okaloosa County. The Pontiac, Michigan-based company started turning out engines for airplanes in 1955.
With an investment that local leaders say is the largest industrial economic development deal in Northwest Florida’s history, over $1 billion in economic stimulus, Williams International is expected to bring 330 high-paying jobs to the area and jumpstart a new era of advanced manufacturing in the region.
Nathan Sparks, executive director of One Okaloosa EDC, called the announcement a “validation” of years of planning, coordination, and infrastructure development.
“This was truly a team effort,” Sparks said. “From the governor’s office to Triumph Gulf Coast to our school districts, colleges, and utility partners — everyone played a part.”
The process of attracting Williams International began in February 2023, when One Okaloosa received a Request For Proposal through the Florida Department of Commerce. Shoal River Ranch, a 10,500-acre industrial mega-site east of Crestview, was included as a prime candidate location.
Over a year, Williams and its site selection consultants visited multiple locations and conducted site visits. Eventually, they toured Okaloosa County several times — including a pivotal holiday visit in late 2023 by company owner Gregg Williams, the son of the company’s founder.
“They told me very clearly: it was obvious Shoal River Ranch had been planned with a company like them in mind,” Sparks said. “They saw that we weren’t just prepared — we were serious partners.”
The 106-acre site chosen for the facility is designed to accommodate both Williams’ short-term and long-term needs, with additional land available for expansion.
Several key factors contributed to Williams International’s decision to bring its second U.S. manufacturing facility to Okaloosa County.
Sparks said Williams found one of the biggest draws was the area’s workforce readiness. With multiple military installations nearby, company leaders recognized the opportunity to assess technically trained veterans, particularly those with experience in aircraft maintenance.
“That resonated with them,” Sparks said. “We have talent here that’s already doing similar work.”
The region’s education and training infrastructure also played a significant role.
Local institutions, such as Northwest Florida State College, offer programs in precision machining and aircraft maintenance — skills that directly align with Williams’ manufacturing needs.
“Not every community can offer that kind of alignment out of the gate,” Sparks said.
Another factor was the site’s preparedness. Shoal River Ranch, once raw land, had already undergone major infrastructure investments, including utilities, roadway extensions, and permitting, thanks to state support and funding from Triumph Gulf Coast.
“We set the table before inviting guests to dinner,” Sparks said.
Finally, company officials emphasized the importance of long-term growth. Williams, which builds defense and commercial aerospace components, was looking for a location that could accommodate future expansion.
Sparks told Mid Bay News that Okaloosa County’s available land and pro-business leadership gave them the confidence to plan beyond the initial build.
Williams plans to break ground later this year and open its first facility as early as 2026. Slightly faster than the 2023 announcement by transformer manufacturer Central Moloney Inc., which also plans to bring more than 300 jobs to Okaloosa County.
Combined, the two companies are expected to create more than 600 jobs and invest significant capital in Okaloosa County over the next few years.
“Williams is moving faster than most,” Sparks said. “It speaks to their confidence in the community and our readiness.”
Triumph Gulf Coast is expected to give final approval for grant funding to support the Williams project on June 13. Infrastructure work is already underway, with roadways, curbs, and utilities now visible at Shoal River Ranch.
Looking ahead, Sparks says One Okaloosa has 27 active projects in its pipeline across various industries, including aerospace and defense, healthcare, and logistics.
“Williams is a game changer, but it’s not the end of the story,” Sparks said. “Now that Shoal River is no longer a field of dreams but a true industrial park, the best is yet to come.”
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