Marine expansion will create 75 new jobs in Lee County
The Lee County Office of Economic Development announced today that the County and State have approved financial incentives for JRL Ventures, Inc./Marine Concepts to support its headquarter expansion plans in Fort Myers, Florida. The incentives will assist the company in creating 75 new jobs in Lee County. The economic impact in the county for this project is estimated at $6.3 million.
The Company has expanded at the current facility many times in the past. Now with the growth into new markets under the JRL Ventures business name, they again need to grow the business. They currently have a small facility in Sarasota and considered this area, as well as, other parts of Florida (i.e. Charlotte County), Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee.
The company currently employs 40 full-time employees, their growth plan and new business is expected to create at least 75 new jobs over the next three years at an average Lee County wage of $41,650 which is 115 percent of the average wage.
As part of the expansion, JRL Ventures, Inc./Marine Concepts will receive a Qualified Tax Incentive (QTI) from the State of Florida and Lee County worth $225,000. Of the $225,000 in QTI incentives $180,000 or 80 percent comes from the State and the remaining 20 percent, or $45,000 match comes from the Lee County incentive program.
“We are excited about the expansion of JRL Ventures, Inc./Marine Concepts in Lee County,” said Jim Moore, Executive Director of the Lee County Office of Economic Development. “I wish them much continued success as the result of their expansion in Lee County, and thank all of those that have helped create a business climate in Southwest Florida that nourishes the growth of innovative companies like JRL Ventures, Inc./Marine Concepts.”
We are encouraged by the positive business atmosphere in Lee County,” said Matt Chambers, President of JRL Ventures, Inc./Marine Concepts “and we’ve decided that it will be a great base for our expanding company. Thank you to the Lee County Economic Development Office, the Governor’s Office and Enterprise Florida for helping to make our expansion in Southwest Florida region possible.”
About JRL Ventures, Inc./Marine Concepts
Founded in Cape Coral in 1975 and purchased by the current owner in 1993. JRL Ventures, Inc./Marine Concepts is the premier supplier, design and engineer of plugs, patterns and molds for many different types of composite industries. They have extensive experience in the marine industry. Their past and new growth has allowed them to expand into the following market segments: composite part manufacturers, RV industry, parks, attractions & icons, simulators, aerospace and renewable energy.
JRL Ventures Inc has completed two renewable energy projects to date. The first being a water turbine project, the second project was a 1KW wind turbine. As of this press release, JRL Ventures has now started their third renewable energy project. The new projects just awarded to them from one of the world’s largest wind energy component manufacturers.
About the Lee County Office of Economic Development:
The Economic Development Office of Lee County in Southwest Florida works to attract new and diversified businesses resulting in high-wage, high-skilled jobs; retains and encourages the expansion of existing businesses and improves the overall business environment in Lee County. Lee County is a thriving business community with a highly regarded airport, significant corporate development and ample real estate opportunities. The area is attracting, retaining and growing high-value businesses with a unique blend of an outstanding business climate and superior quality of life. The county is home to five vibrant cities-Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers Beach, and Sanibel-and is the heart of Southwest Florida. For more information, visit www.leecountybusiness.com.