Holon projected to have $300M economic impact in Jacksonville, UNF study says

Holon projected to have $300M economic impact in Jacksonville, UNF study says (Courtesy of the Jacksonville Business Journal) — A university analysis projects that the construction of an autonomous vehicle manufacturing facility in Jacksonville will generate hundreds of millions of dollars for the local economy.

Construction of Holon’s AV manufacturing facility in North Jacksonville is projected to have nearly $300 million in local economic impact over the next four years, according to analysis by the Coggin College of Business at the University of North Florida.

UNF’s analysis shows the Jacksonville region will benefit from more than $200 million during construction and $87 million annually upon opening in 2028.

The 500,000-square-foot facility, planned for a site off Zoo Parkway near Imeson Park Boulevard and Blount Island and is set to create more than 800 jobs.

Once the facility opens, an estimated 736 direct and indirect jobs will be in place — including at least 150 people working at Holon’s facility. 

Manufacturing, real estate, health care and professional services are all expected to benefit from the facility.

“Holon’s decision to build this facility here has the potential to be a game-changer for Jacksonville, solidifying our leadership in the autonomous vehicle space and driving growth across multiple sectors,” JAXUSA Partnership President Aundra Wallace said. “This is the type of investment that will have a broad impact across our economy and we look forward to Holon being a significant part of our business community.”

Holon is a subsidiary of the global automotive supplier Benteler Group, which has six facilities throughout the United States.

City and company leaders announced Holon’s move to Jacksonville in September 2024.

“As Holon establishes itself in Jacksonville, our focus is on creating meaningful opportunities through new jobs, innovation and long-term economic growth,” Holon CEO Henning von Watzdorf said. “We look forward to a lasting positive impact that aligns with our mission to deliver sustainable passenger transportation.”