PINELLAS PARK – The Oettinger Davidoff Group selected Pinellas Park to relocate its U.S. headquarters, and that means the new Davidoff operation will be relocated in the Gateway area of the city, in a building that once was occupied by Hunter Douglas Co., manufacturers of window blinds.
Davidoff will continue to import cigars from its manufacturing facilities in the Dominican Republic and Honduras. The Pinellas Park operation will not only house its U.S. headquarters, but will provide warehouse and distribution activities to service its customers nationwide.
Mayor Bill Mischler was thrilled over the move.
“By securing this relocation to our area, we also bring new, high-paying jobs and nearly $10 million in capital investments by the company,” Mischler said. “This is a huge win for the city of Pinellas Park.”
Dr. Reto Cina, Davidoff’s CEO, described Pinellas Park and Pinellas County as an area “noted for its superb quality of life and exceptional commitment to supporting business.”
The availability of a recently vacated facility with over 100,000 square feet was one attraction for Davidoff. The ease of doing business in Florida and the incentives available to make the relocation cost effective also helped make Pinellas County the right location, Cina said.
“I’m very pleased to welcome Davidoff and these new jobs to Pinellas County,” said Pinellas County Commissioner Karen Williams Seel. “Pinellas County is focused on creating a business climate that encourages corporate expansion and job creation. Wins like this one, in such a competitive environment, serve to further emphasize the advantages of choosing Pinellas.”
Competing with South Carolina for the relocation, Pinellas County Economic Development staff worked with the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development, Enterprise Florida, the city of Pinellas Park and WorkNet Pinellas to argue the advantages of doing business in Pinellas.
Davidoff will utilize Florida’s Qualified Target Industry program, which allows new and expanding Florida businesses in targeted, high-growth industries that create new, high-paying jobs to receive tax refunds for every new job created.
Additionally, Davidoff qualified for funding through the Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund, which will contribute $240,000 in state funds, $20,000 from Pinellas County and up to $64,000 in tax and fee reductions from Pinellas Park.
Oscar Avallone, a Davidoff consultant, took on the original task of identifying potential locations and was responsible for coordinating activities related to the relocation.
“Tampa Bay was quickly recognized as a possible location as a result of its long history and rich heritage in the cigar industry,” said C.J. Evans of Ryan Inc., a Davidoff’s site selection consultant.
