🚀 L3Harris Lands Florida High Impact Business Performance (HIPI) Grant

Eyes Nearly $300M Expansion

Feb 18, 2025

PALM BAY, Fla. — L3Harris Technologies is deepening its commitment to Palm Bay with two new facilities that, together, could top $294 million in total investment—far exceeding the $2 million High Impact Business Performance (HIPI) grant allocated by the state of Florida. The grant will be disbursed in two $1 million installments (2025 and 2027), but most of the funding comes from L3Harris itself, underscoring the company’s long-term vision for strengthening local and national defense capabilities.

Two Facilities, Major Investment

1. Satellite Integration Building (Project LEO)

Size & Construction: 93,000-square-foot facility with a $70 million construction cost.
Equipment Costs: $13.1 million in specialized manufacturing equipment.
Primary Focus: Advanced satellite constellations, potentially including classified defense projects.
Total Estimate: $83.1 million.

2. Advanced Manufacturing Facility (Project SAMT or Similar)

Likely Scope: Past proposals point to a 105,000-square-foot intelligence-cyberbusiness center with $211 million for construction, machinery, and related property.
2024 Updates: While exact figures remain unconfirmed, L3Harris projects a $200 million+ endeavor.

Combined, these investments could total $294 million, elevating Palm Bay’s profile in aerospace innovation by highlighting its expanding role in national defense technology. This push also contributes to Florida’s broader economic growth.

HIPI Grant: A Catalyst for Growth

While the $2 million HIPI grant helped attract L3Harris’ expanded operations, it represents only a small fraction of overall spending. This partnership underscores the ongoing collaboration between Florida’s Department of Commerce and key industry players to drive job creation, workforce development, and national security readiness.

“Florida continues to make strategic investments in high-tech industries, creating confidence for job creators like L3Harris,” said J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce. “We are excited to work with them to further expand the Space Coast’s capabilities and secure our national defense.”

A Boon for Palm Bay: Economic & Community Impacts

High-Wage Jobs & Talent Pipeline

Across both facilities, 200 new positions—100 for each—will offer average salaries above $100,000. L3Harris currently employs 9,000 Floridians at 27 locations, solidifying its status as the state’s largest aerospace and defense contractor. These roles bolster Palm Bay’s appeal to STEM graduates from local institutions such as Florida Institute of Technology and Eastern Florida State College.

Supply Chain Ripple Effects

Construction providers, component suppliers, and specialized tech vendors stand to gain from multi-million-dollar contracts tied to each facility. Economic models forecast 1.2 indirect jobs per direct manufacturing role, amplifying the project’s impact throughout Brevard County.

Inside the New Facilities

Satellite Integration: Faster, More Secure

Cleanroom Innovations: Segmented production areas for both large geostationary spacecraft and smaller low-Earth orbit satellites.
Classified Work: Separate spaces designed for varying security levels, reflecting L3Harris’ role in sensitive defense technology.
Integrated Testing: On-site anechoic chambers and vibration tables shorten production timelines by reducing third-party testing needs.

Microelectronics & Advanced Manufacturing

Cutting-Edge Tech: Builds on earlier “Project SAMT” efforts, featuring advanced packaging and secure chip fabrication for aerospace and cyber defense.
National Defense Pivot: Onshore microelectronics production mitigates reliance on foreign suppliers.
Economic Diversification: Helps Florida expand its high-value manufacturing sector, moving beyond traditional tourism and agriculture.

Strategic Importance

With leadership in missile-warning satellites, microelectronics, and high-priority defense contracts, L3Harris’ Palm Bay operations are pivotal to both U.S. Space Force and U.S. Department of Defense goals. By consolidating research, development, and production in one location, the company reduces supply-chain risks—lessons learned from pandemic-era disruptions—and speeds up delivery for critical defense programs.

Related Reading: Curious about more L3Harris milestones in Palm Bay? Check out our coverage:
L3Harris Unveils “Amorphous”: The Future of Cyber Defense

Conclusion

By investing nearly $300 million in Palm Bay, L3Harris reinforces Florida’s reputation as a leading aerospace and defense hub, creating real benefits for residents—high-paying jobs, increased tax revenue, and a strengthened talent pipeline. It’s a testament to how local innovation can flourish when public support and private enterprise align.

Curated by AI and fact-checked by The Palm Bayer’s editorial team.