Italico Aviation, an Italy-based airplane maker, announced plans Dec. 4 to open a manufacturing plant at Kissimmee Gateway Airport.
The company will create 22 jobs paying $61,000 when it opens next year and 55 positions during the next four years.
Italico Aviation USA got approval from the state, county and city for incentives worth $842,179, which is awarded based on meeting contractual performance and job goals.
Operating under Italico Aviation USA, the company will make light sports aircraft.

In September 2004, the Federal Aviation Administration made a new designation of airplane called light sport aircraft and a new pilot's license to go with it. This new category of airplane, unlike ultralights, could be bought fully assembled. Current aviation manufacturers include Cessna, Remos and Flight Design.
Besides manufacturing light sports aircraft at the plant, Italico Aviation will engage in research and development and the new site will be a distribution point for sales in the western hemisphere.
"We are excited to begin manufacturing in the United States," said Eros Spinozzi, president of Italico Aviation and Italico Aviation USA. "The Kissimmee location is perfect as it offers us access to everything we need, from a great workforce, strategic location, a tremendous customer base and most importantly the Florida sunshine that enables us to showcase our planes year round."
"Italico's choice to locate in Florida reflects our ability to help international firms achieve their business goals through the partnerships, resources and talent the state offers," said Florida Secretary of Commerce Gray Swoope, who serves as president & CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state agency charged with diversifying the area's economy.
Partners in this project include the state of Florida, Enterprise Florida Inc., Osceola County, the city of Kissimmee and the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission.