VERO BEACH, FL --
Piper Aircraft announced today it will stay in Vero Beach and expand its operations there to build the new Piper Jet.
CEO Jim Bass says his board of directors chose Vero over competitors Alberquerque and Oklahoma City because of the strong local workforce.
"Really that’s the sum total and major reason we are staying is because of your contributions and dedication," Bass told the hundreds of Piper employees gathered this afternoon at the Vero Beach plant.
Florida Governor Charlie Crist flew in from Tallahassee to add his approval to the announcement.
"Yes this is about planes, but first and foremost this is about the people of this company and what they do. It's about you," Crist told the cheering Piper employees.
No doubt money played a role in the company's decision to stay. State and local governments will contribute a $32 million dollar incentive package for Piper.
In exchange, Piper has agreed to provide more than 400 new jobs, with an average yearly salary of $46,500 per job.
If the company does not meet the promised employment levels, its contract requires it to pay fines to Indian River County.
Debbie Gorman is a 20 year Piper employee, working in the IT department. She says keeping Piper in Vero was a make or break decision for the community.
"Without Piper there's no place for your normal person to work and make a decent living. It's a good company," says Gorman.
