News

2025 was a successful year for Northeast Florida, driven by the growth of businesses relocating or expanding in the Jacksonville region. With a total of 12 project announcements, more than 2,400 new jobs and a capital investment of nearly $1B, it’s clear that companies are continuing to see the region as a place for long-term success.

The project announcements in 2025 varied across the region’s target and support industries. Businesses recognize Jacksonville for its innovative mindset and strong business climate, which ultimately drive them to relocate or expand in the region. Some notable announcements this year include:

Otto Aerospace

Otto Aerospace was a huge win for Jacksonville’s advanced manufacturing industry, bringing in more than 1,200 new jobs. The company plans to invest up to $430M in two phases at Cecil Airport, which includes the construction of a state-of-the-art facility to produce its “next-generation” Phantom 3500 aircraft as well as the relocation of its headquarters from Fort Worth to Jacksonville.

Otto Aerospace’s contract is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the Jacksonville region. This announcement compliments two major innovative project announcements from 2024 that are transforming the future of transportation: Hermeus, the supersonic and hypersonic aircraft facility, and HOLON, the autonomous vehicle manufacturer.

Swisher

Swisher is expanding their manufacturing operations to support the production of new oral pouch products. In addition to Swisher’s existing footprint and the hundreds who are based in Jacksonville, this new expansion will create another 240 skilled positions and $135 million dollars in capital investment. The company has been headquartered in Jacksonville since 1924 and has seen tremendous growth. They are an industry leader and are breaking into new CPG categories to continue to evolve and lead.

Sam’s Club

Walmart opened a 1 million square-foot Sam’s Club distribution center in Jacksonville this spring, creating 250 new jobs and a capital investment of $61M. The new Jacksonville facility will process goods for 25 locations in the Southeast, as well as Puerto Rico. This expansion will also make Walmart one of JAXPORT’s largest customers by container volume.

Amazon

Amazon showcases how Northeast Florida brings a leading and innovative advantage to the region. The company established a new distribution facility that will feature a 5-hour-click-to-delivery – a first of its kind for the region that will also include cold storage for grocery delivery. Amazon now has 11 facilities throughout the City of Jacksonville, which is more than any other city in the state.

The transportation & logistics and advanced manufacturing industries continue to see the most growth in the Jacksonville region. BAE Systems and Phoenix Products also expanded in Northeast Florida this year, adding a total of 320 jobs to the advanced manufacturing industry. In transportation & logistics, Sysco and Eckart Supply brought in a combined total of 145 new jobs to the region.

“As we look back on the region’s wins this year, it’s evident that JAX marks the spot as a global destination for business growth,” said JAXUSA Partnership President Aundra Wallace. “Our dynamic workforce, thriving economy and ideal quality of life will continue to position Jacksonville for continued growth and expansion across all industries in the new year.”