Tampa-based defense manufacturer Tampa Brass & Aluminum is planning a $58 million expansion of its Hillsborough County headquarters after securing a series of military contracts, with the project expected to create 50 new jobs.
The expansion will take place at the company’s Town ‘N’ Country headquarters at 8511 Florida Mining Blvd. The new positions will pay an average annual salary of $83,200 and include roles for nondestructive testing (NDT) technicians and supervisors, quality-control inspectors, welding inspectors and nuclear engineering technicians.
The company also plans to invest $58 million in new machinery and equipment at its Tampa headquarters as it works to increase manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand from military customers.
NDT Roles Part of Expansion
Tampa Brass & Aluminum manufactures missile parts, submarine components and other equipment for the U.S. Air Force and Navy. Its advanced manufacturing capabilities include precision machining, fabrication, non-destructive testing and quality assurance for mission-critical assets.
As part of the expansion, the company plans to recruit NDT technicians and supervisors, alongside quality-control and welding inspection professionals. NDT allows materials and components to be examined for defects without damaging them, providing inspection support for equipment manufactured for aircraft, submarines and other military systems.
The company’s work spans the manufacturing process from raw materials through finished products, with NDT and quality assurance forming part of its broader advanced manufacturing operations.
Company Chooses Tampa Over Texas
Now under new ownership, Tampa Brass & Aluminum had considered expanding in Amarillo, Texas, before deciding to remain in Tampa. The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council assisted with the project.
Company officials cited the region’s quality of life and “deep talent pipeline” among the factors behind the decision.
“Tampa gave us everything we need to build the next chapter of this company — a skilled workforce, a strong manufacturing base and a community that backs advanced industry,” company President Aubrey Greene says in the release.
The planned investment and hiring are intended to expand the company’s capacity as it responds to increasing demand from military customers.
Economic Development Support
The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council supported the expansion through market analysis and by bringing together regional partners to address infrastructure and workforce requirements.
The support includes work related to power upgrades, utility sales-tax exemptions, state training grants and plans for an apprenticeship training center. According to the release, some of the training grants are provided through the state’s Quick Response Training program.
Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan said the expansion would create additional specialised career opportunities for residents.
“Their expansion reflects why manufacturers choose to grow here: We offer a skilled workforce and a strong business environment that supports companies competing in critical industries like defense and advanced manufacturing,” Hagan says in the release.
