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Global Garage Door Maker to Expand in Florida

Wayne-Dalton Corp. will expand its headquarters for R&D and manufacturing in Pensacola, creating an expected 146 new jobs.

Wayne-Dalton Corp. is expanding its headquarters for research and development, and manufacturing in Pensacola. The expansion is expected to create 146 new jobs in Northwest Florida. Additionally, the Wayne-Dalton project includes a capital investment of $37 million toward the construction of an addition to the facility, and purchase of manufacturing and other equipment.

“Wayne-Dalton Corporation has long been a good corporate citizen in our state, and we welcome its decision to expand its operations in Pensacola,” says Governor Jeb Bush . “The new high-value R&D and manufacturing jobs, as well as the significant capital investment, resulting from this expansion will be welcome additions to the economies of Escambia County and Florida’s Great Northwest. I thank Wayne-Dalton for its commitment to our state and wish them continued success for many years to come.”

Wayne-Dalton Corporation is a multinational company and one of the top producers of garage doors and operators in the United States. Its corporate headquarters is located in Ohio. The Pensacola location is Wayne-Dalton’s second largest operation. Built in 1985, the Northwest Florida facility presently employs 350 full-time workers. Wayne-Dalton is considering future expansions and additional sectional garage door production in Florida.

“After careful analysis of sites throughout the U.S., we determined that expanding our Florida operation best met the objectives of our company,” says Wayne-Dalton’s President and Chief Operating Officer Thomas B. Bennett. “Expanding our Pensacola operation allows us to create a larger work force and distribution facility with a single focus: to deliver the best garage door to our clients. The exceptional business climate, workforce and local support have given us confidence in our Florida expansion. Everyone involved in the process, from Governor Bush to Enterprise Florida to officials with Escambia County and the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Department, has been extremely responsive to our needs and we thank them for their leadership and guidance.”

Florida competed with Ohio for this expansion. The Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development worked closely with the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise Florida Inc. to win this project for Florida.

“We are very pleased to see Wayne Dalton’s commitment to build upon their strong foundation in Escambia County with this new expansion,” says Blaise Adams, Chairman of the Chamber’s Economic Development Council. “This commitment is the result of a true team effort between numerous federal, state and local entities. The Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce greatly appreciates the support obtained at all levels that has resulted in a very significant employer undertaking a quality expansion in our community.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for our community,” says Commissioner Mike Whitehead, Chairman, Escambia County Board of County Commissioners. “The fact that they are expanding and adding nearly 150 high wage jobs is an economic boost for Escambia County.”