Acknowledging it was Project Rotunda, Phoenix Products announced June 11 it will expand to a 231,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in North Jacksonville.
Phoenix Products, a subsidiary of heavy equipment dealer Ring Power Corp., said it will relocate from its 89,000-square-foot facility to the larger center at 1511 Zoo Parkway, Building 600.
“The ambitious expansion project represents a pivotal moment in Phoenix Products’ growth trajectory, with construction scheduled to begin in June 2025 and completion expected by May 2026,” Phoenix Products said in a news release.
The Jacksonville City Council unanimously approved an economic development agreement June 10 for the project under the code name Project Rotunda.
“This new facility marks a pivotal moment for us, enabling substantial growth and enhanced capabilities,” said Cliff Mills, vice president and general manager of Phoenix Products, in the release.
Jacksonville-based Phoenix Products makes custom generator enclosures, fuel tanks and fueling systems for standby, prime and peak shaving power applications.
The company’s customers represent industries that include banking, data centers, communications, transportation, human services and governmental sectors.
The release outlined the plans:
• Production enhancement: Phoenix Products plans to implement multiple new production lines, achieving a 400% increase in manufacturing output capacity.
• Workforce growth: The company will increase its workforce from 150 to 270 employees, creating at least 120 new jobs in Jacksonville. Key positions include welders, electricians, project managers and engineers.
• Strategic location decision: After evaluating potential locations for the expanded operations, Phoenix Products decided to remain in Jacksonville.
Mills said Phoenix Products developed a plan to remain in Jacksonville.
“This move isn’t just about bricks and mortar,” Mills said. “It’s about investing in our future, expanding our capabilities, and continuing to deliver excellence in everything we do.”
The release said the new facility symbolizes “Phoenix Products’ commitment to innovation, job creation, and continued investment in the Jacksonville community. The company’s decision to remain local ensures continuity for existing employees while providing opportunities for significant career growth and advancement.”
In the release, Mayor Donna Deegan said the manufacturing industry “continues to grow rapidly and remains a critical component of Jacksonville’s booming economy.”
“We welcome Phoenix Products’ expansion in our city and thank them for the partnership that will support 270 jobs and lead to $44 million in investment,” she said.
JAXUSA Partnership President Aundra Wallace said in the release that Phoenix Products is making “a significant investment in our economy and is another example of a local company needing to expand and choosing to do it right here in the Jacksonville region.” JAXUSA is the economic development division of JAX Chamber.
Phoenix Products operates at 1544 E. Eighth St. in the Talleyrand area of East Jacksonville, about 9 miles south of the new site.
It is based along Eighth, Bennett and Egner streets and Talleyrand Avenue. The site is between Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and Talleyrand Avenue, just more than a mile from the JaxPort Talleyrand Marine Terminal along the St. Johns River.
Phoenix Products operates among several buildings totaling more than 89,000 square feet of space on 18.44 acres.
Heavy equipment dealer Ring Power bought Phoenix Products, a former supplier, in 2005.
Ring Power Senior Vice President Sue Miller, who also is marketing and public relations director, said June 11 that the existing site is in review for the company's continued use.
"Although a decision has not been made yet, we are exploring the possibility of repurposing the facility for some of our other business operations," Miller said.
The deal
City Council voted 18-0 to approve a $1.1 million incentive for the company.
City documents say Project Rotunda plans to double the size of its Jacksonville operation by adding 240,000 square feet of space. With the expansion, the company will add 120 employees to its 150-member workforce over the next three years at an average salary of $62,000, excluding benefits.
The company plans to spend $44 million on its expansion.
The city’s incentive comes in the form of a 10-year, 50% Recapture Enhanced Value Grant based on the increase in real and personal property taxes that would be generated by the new site. A REV grant is a refund on ad valorem tax revenue generated by a new development.
The location has been signaled since the start of the year.
St. Augustine-based Ring Power bought the 32.3-acre site May 8 for $7 million at 1511 Zoo Parkway through JI IPS Land LLC.
VanTrust Real Estate LLC sold the site in Imeson Park South.
The city approved site clearing Jan. 23. England-Thims & Miller Inc. was the civil engineer.
The site is designated for construction of a more than 230,000-square-foot building called both Building B2 and Building 600.
VanTrust Real Estate Executive Vice President Marc Munago said May 11 that Ring Power bought the land for its Phoenix Products company. He said VanTrust will develop a 231,467-square-foot building for it.
The site is about 6 miles west of JaxPort’s Blount Island Terminal.