Welbilt Inc. (NYSE: WBT), a leading commercial foodservice equipment manufacturer, will enlarge their presence in Pasco County by  remodeling and expanding their research and development labs, adding an additional 42,000 square feet of laboratory, test kitchen space and an improved customer experience center.  The expansion will create 110 jobs and more than $10 million in new capital investment in Pasco County over the next three years.

“Welbilt is very pleased to be expanding our presence and extending our long-term commitment to the state of Florida and Pasco County. The thriving business climate created by the state and local governments, along with the availability of a highly-educated workforce, excellent universities and great infrastructure, are among the key factors contributing to the success of this area,” said Hubertus Muehlhaeuser, President and Chief Executive Officer, Welbilt Inc. “Welbilt hosts over 2,000 customer visits each year to its customer experience center and is known as the most innovative creator of commercial foodservice equipment in the industry today. This investment will help keep us at the forefront of innovation in our industry and help us to achieve our strategic vision of being the global leader in professional foodservice equipment and systems.”

Welbilt operates in 38 locations in 12 countries with over 5,000 employees providing the world’s top chefs, premier chain operators and growing independents with industry-leading equipment and solutions using cutting-edge designs.

Welbilt is the only commercial foodservice equipment manufacturer that has a full portfolio of hot, cold and beverage equipment and has a centralized research and development function. Welbilt’s fitkitchenSM system offering combines these advantages, making it an ideal solution for large chain customers who are increasingly taking a systems approach to their kitchens that combines end-to-end equipment solutions with connectivity and automation.

“This expansion’s economic impact for the county is very significant,” shared Bill Cronin, President/CEO, Pasco EDC. “It will create 110 direct and 171 indirect jobs, $9.4 million in personal income annually, and $10.6 million in Gross County Product annually. We are proud Welbilt put their trust in us to help them expand their operations right here in Pasco.”

This expansion project was made possible by partnerships with Pasco County and the Pasco Economic Development Council. The average annual wage Welbilt offers employees is around $69,000, which exceeds the 2017 Pasco County average.

About Welbilt

Welbilt, Inc. provides the world’s top chefs, premier chain operators and growing independents with industry-leading equipment and solutions.  Our innovative products and solutions are powered by our deep knowledge, operator insights, and culinary expertise.  We offer fully-integrated kitchen systems and our products are backed by KitchenCare(r) aftermarket parts and service. Headquartered in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, and operating 17 manufacturing facilities throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, the company sells through a global network of over 3,000 distributors and dealers in over 100 countries.  The company has approximately 5,500 employees and generated sales of $1.46 billion in 2016. Its portfolio of award-winning brands includes Cleveland(tm), Convotherm(r), Delfield(r), fitkitchenSM, Frymaster(r), Garland(r), Kolpak(r), Lincoln(tm), Manitowoc(r) Ice, Merco(r), Merrychef(r) and Multiplex(r). For more information, visit www.welbilt.com.