Historic Downtown Melbourne | Credit: Michele Haro
BlueWare Inc., a software company, is relocating to Melbourne, where it will be developing and writing software, document scanning and developing in the areas of robotics, nanotechnology and genomics, as they apply to a patient’s medical records.
“BlueWare’s choice to move to Florida is a testament to the strength of our business climate and the result of a common vision for economic growth by local, regional, business and government partners,” Scott said in a written statement. “Today’s announcement is a great win for the Space Coast, as well as for the entire state.”
BlueWare has said it expects to hire 190, with an average wage of $69,000, over four years, while investing more than $1 million for property and equipment.
The company was awarded $760,000 through a State of Florida Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund and $550,000 in a Quick Action Closing Fund incentive to offset the costs of location, employee training, and infrastructure.
“Historic Downtown Melbourne will be enhanced by the siting of BlueWare in the heart of downtown,” Cindy Dittmer, Melbourne planning and economic development director, stated in a release.
The Economic Development Council of the Space Coast worked with Enterprise Florida, Brevard County, Brevard Workforce and the City of Melbourne to secure this project.
The company plans to move into the new facility in the fourth quarter of 2012.
“After a two-year nationwide search and extensive analysis, BlueWare has chosen to relocate its corporate headquarters to Melbourne due to several factors, including the area’s technical talent and strategic east coast location,” BlueWare president and CEO Rose Harr stated in a release.
“BlueWare holds 10 companies within its corporate family and we look forward to expanding our presence in health care, education, and government sectors.”
BlueWare selected Melbourne over efforts by Michigan to retain the company, primarily due to the Space Coast’s skilled labor pool and tax climate.
“BlueWare recognized the opportunity to grow its success though our available, highly skilled work force,” Lynda Weatherman, president and CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, stated.
“The company’s decision to relocate to Brevard County further diversifies our economy, augmenting our high-tech corporate footprint. We look forward to the company’s growth and success on the Space Coast.”
Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.