FYI Miami: June 25, 2015

SPANISH FIRM PICKS MIAMI: VIMAC USA, a Spain-based engineering company specializing in railroad construction, electromechanical, civil and hydraulic projects, has opened its US headquarters in Miami, according to the Beacon Council, which assisted VIMAC. The company was referred to the Beacon Council by Enterprise Florida. VIMAC, which has offices in Colombia, Romania and Saudi Arabia, will add 12 above-average-paying jobs and $1 million in capital investment within three years, according to the Beacon Council. Beacon President and CEO Larry Williams said the influx of Spanish-based companies entering the American market through Miami has made Spain the top direct investment market here. “As a major hub for shipping and merchandise distribution, Miami is the optimal choice for our entrance into the US market,” said VIMAC USA General Manager Carlos Garzon. “We’re confident in the business and growth opportunities that this thriving region will bring to our company.”

ISRAELI ENTREPRENEURIAL PACT: Miami Dade College and Tel Aviv University plan to sign an agreement to promote cooperation between entrepreneurs in Miami and Israel. The ceremonial agreement is to initially provide for Israeli tech gurus and start-ups to travel to Miami for a conference this winter to build relationships with local investors, designers, and digital marketing firms. Tel Aviv University faculty also are to travel to Miami to serve as visiting professors. Leandro Finol, executive director of The Idea Center at Miami Dade College, said the agreement leaves the door open for future collaboration between the two entrepreneurial communities. The signing ceremony, originally scheduled for today (6/25), was postponed until the Israeli delegation can travel to Miami. The US State Department was recovering Tuesday from a technical issue and had stopped issuing travel visas, according to its website.

MIA BAGGAGE SECURITY: Kansas City-based Burns & McDonnell has been selected to lead the design and engineering for the $160 million baggage screening upgrade at Miami International Airport. The project will include a 70,000-square-foot baggage security and screening facility for the central and south passenger terminals, as well as upgrade and replace baggage handling equipment in the existing terminals to more efficiently manage and operate the new screening facility. The project’s design work is underway. Construction is expected to begin within 12 months and be completed in the third quarter of 2018.