Dixon Ticonderoga to add 20 new jobs in next three years
Seminole County, Fla. – Dixon Ticonderoga Company, an industry leading manufacturer of writing instruments, art supplies, and other tools, will expand its Orlando area company headquarters in Lake Mary, Florida with the addition of 20 new jobs and a capital investment of $1,500,000 over the next three years.
More than 50 million students use Dixon Ticonderoga’s products every day across the nation. As the maker of the iconic No. 2 pencil, Dixon Ticonderoga is an avid supporter of education, facilitating more than $1.5 million in product donations and teacher grants to education each year. In 2014 the company joined its corporate partners, The Orlando Magic and Amway Center, to provide school supplies for the Parramore Back to School Celebration held at the Callahan Neighborhood Center.
Tim Gomez, CEO of Dixon Ticonderoga Company, said, “I’m very appreciative that the State of Florida recognized the value that the Dixon Ticonderoga Company brings to the community and the job possibilities that will be created for our communities in the future. Florida is the perfect place to set up the headquarters for our upcoming growth. We identify deeply with the state of Florida, going back to our days of creating products from local sources on Cedar Key. I’m excited for our headquarters expansion and to bring our National Museum to the Sunshine State for our communities to enjoy starting in the fall of 2015.”
Enterprise Florida, the Department of Economic Opportunity, CareerSource Florida and CareerSource Central Florida, City of Lake Mary, Seminole County, Seminole State College and the Orlando Economic Development Commission collaborated on this project expansion.
“In today’s globally competitive marketplace, a skilled workforce is more essential than ever for business success,” said Chris Hart IV, president and CEO of CareerSource Florida. “We are delighted to partner with a leading company such as Dixon Ticonderoga, which is expanding in Florida, to enhance the knowledge and productivity of its employees through a Quick Response Training Grant.”
“Seminole County is very pleased that Dixon Ticonderoga is growing its corporate headquarters in Lake Mary,” said Seminole County Chairman Brenda Carey. “Being home to such a well-known and highly regarded company is great news for everyone in Seminole County!”
“The City of Lake Mary is proud to be called home for the Dixon Ticonderoga Company,” said Mayor David Mealor. “This company is recognized for its long history of excellence, and we think that aligns well with our City’s values.”
“Lake Mary is pleased that the Dixon Ticonderoga Company decided to relocate and expand in our City,” said Tom Tomerlin, economic development manager, Lake Mary. “Having another iconic business in our City helps spread the word that Lake Mary is open for business.”
“Seminole State College, through our Quick Response Training Grant program, is delighted to assist this iconic educational brand as it expands its operations in Lake Mary,” said Dr. E. Ann McGee, president of Seminole State College. “This growth will provide excellent employment opportunities for our region and for our graduates.”
“We are very excited about the expansion of Dixon’s headquarters in the region,” said Rick Weddle, president and CEO of the Orlando Economic Development Commission. “Not only for the positive investment and job creation, but also for the important connections they have made and continue to make in regards to education.”
Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) is a not-for-profit, public-private partnership that attracts, retains and grows jobs for the region. The EDC serves Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties and the City of Orlando in Florida. Since its start in 1977, the EDC, with the support of its community partners, has assisted thousands of companies relocate and expand in the four-county Orlando region. For more information, visit www.OrlandoEDC.com.
Dixon Ticonderoga Company manufactures and markets a wide range of writing instruments, art materials and office supplies under the Ticonderoga, Prang, Dixon, Oriole, Das and Lyra brands. Headquartered in Heathrow, Fla., the company is a subsidiary of Milan-based Fabbrica Italiana Lapis ed Affini S.p.A. (FILA). For more information, visit www.DixonUSA.com.
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