The center is expected to generate a $662 million economic impact over five years, according to the county. In addition to the innovative technologies to be showcased, the facility itself will feature advanced, environmentally responsible building systems and materials.
Developed to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED standard, it will be both eco-friendly, intelligent and sustainable.
The building will demonstrate new technology for security, fire safety, air conditioning, elevator and escalator, and refrigeration systems. The Center for Intelligent Buildings will be a place where designers, architects, building owners and United Technologies distribution networks can get product demonstrations and training,
The city, Palm Beach County and Florida offered United Technologies millions of dollars in economic incentives to keep 70 jobs and create 380 new ones with an average wage of $85,000 by 2020.
Based in Hartford in Connecticut, UTC has annual sales of $65.1 billion, net income attributable to common shareholders of $6.2 billion and 211,500 employees. Company units include UTC Building & Industrial Systems, engine maker Pratt & Whitney, helicopter maker Sikorsky and UTC Aersopace Systems. The buildings unit has annual sales of about $29.8 billion and employs more than 118,000 people, the website said.
UTC Building & Industrial Systems is the world’s largest provider of building technologies. Through innovation and integration, UTC Building & Industrial Systems brings together technologies from across its industry-leading brands to improve building efficiency and occupant experience. The organization combines cutting-edge HVAC with intuitive software, breakthrough elevator technology with advanced security solutions, and merges entry control solutions with building automation systems to maximize comfort and enhance productivity – while minimizing energy consumption.
Geraud Darnis, President/CEO of UTC Building & Industrial Systems, said, “We are excited to announce the development of a first-of-its-kind, intelligent and sustainable customer center. This living showplace will serve as a destination for the global building community, offering truly integrated, whole-building solutions. We chose Florida among other potential locations in the Southeast for its ideal climate for year-round demonstration of advanced, energy efficient cooling technologies, as well as its proximity to existing UTC facilities and neighboring international airports.”
Governor Rick Scott said, “I am proud to announce that UTC Building & Industrial Systems has picked Florida for their new Center for Intelligent Buildings, which will add 380 jobs in the Palm Beach community. We know UTC picked Florida over other locations in the Southeast and we look forward to their continued success in the Sunshine State.”
This project was made possible by the close partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, the city of Palm Beach Gardens and Palm Beach County.
‘We are very excited that United Technologies has selected Palm Beach County as the location for its innovative UTC Center for Intelligent Buildings. This game-changing project is truly unique – there is no other facility like this in the U.S. and its proximity to Scripps Florida and Max Planck will solidify a true innovation and research corridor in this county,” said Kelly Smallridge, President/CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County.
“We proudly welcome United Technologies as the newest partner in the Palm Beach Gardens business community,” said Mayor Eric Jablin, Palm Beach Gardens. “The addition of United Technologies is significant to the Gardens and serves as an example of intelligent growth. We are grateful to United Technologies for placing its confidence in the solid business climate we have worked to establish and for the many job opportunities they will be creating. This will be to the benefit of our local economy for many years to come.”
