By Carolyn Newcomer Ketchel
For eight years, Okaloosa County has worked to create an Industrial Park at Shoal River Ranch. Infrastructure was put into place, hoping to draw in a multimillion-dollar manufacturing business at Shoal River Industrial Ranch.
The ranch itself is perfectly situated off Hwy. 90 and one could imagine an interchange off of I-10 that would allow for easy access. It is situated between Mobile and Tallahassee, near Eglin AFB and in close proximity to rail traffic.
The BCC, over the years, acquired a total of 850 acres of land for a future industrial park. A much-needed wastewater treatment plant is presently under construction and will support the project as well as serve residents and businesses located well beyond the park. This $40.8M plant is an important step towards moving off the septic system.
Following a comprehensive multi-state search, Williams International, the world’s leader in gas turbine engine production, announced its intention to locate its new facility in Okaloosa County. In November 2025, Williams International broke ground on a $1.4 Billion manufacturing facility at Shoal River Ranch. This facility will create 336 high-tech jobs producing aviation gas turbine engines. The facility is called Module A by Williams International. The company takes great pride in the fact they produce everything in the United States.
The complex will be constructed in three phases within the industrial park, one of the largest projects in the history of Northwest Florida. The company’s first 250,000 sq. ft facility is slated to begin construction later this year, with completion in 2026. A final 500,000 sq. ft. building is planned for the 2035-36 time frame. Williams International has existing plants in Pontiac, Mich., and Ogden, Utah.
Numerous state, regional and local partners worked together to create this major economic development success story in Northwest Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded $3.2M through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to expand manufacturing in Okaloosa County. Florida Commerce partnered with Career Source Florida, Florida’s Great Northwest, Space Florida Okaloosa County and Triumph Gulf Coast on this major economic development success story for our region.
Kudos, in particular, should be given to Nathan Sparks, Economic Development Director, who worked tirelessly to bring the pieces together to make this success story for Okaloosa County.
This announcement was hailed as a major win, as it establishes the State of Florida as a rising hub for aerospace activity and manufacturing.
Commissioner’s note
I want to wish you all a very, Merry Christmas and many blessings in the New Year. It is an honor to serve as your Okaloosa County, District 2 Commissioner.
Carolyn Ketchel is Okaloosa County Commissioner, District 2
Vice-Chairman 2024-2025
She can be reached at CKetchel@myokaloosa.com or 850-651-7105.
