A new company has landed in Gulf County called Skyborne Technologies.
They manufacture a variety of aviation systems including drones, unmanned vehicle systems, and airships.
“We build airships and drones for different technologies, kind of like information systems whether it be telecommunications, environmental research, power grid monitoring, you name it,” said Skyborne Technology CEO Mike Lawson.
They’re making Gulf County home base with two locations, one in Wewahitchka and the other at Costin Airport.
“Wewahitchka is more of the think tank, it’s building the first step of the product line,” said Lawson.
After the aircrafts are made in Wewahitchka, they will be brought to the company’s newly acquired Costin Airport in Port St. Joe to be tested. The company said Gulf County was the perfect location.
“Finding an airport next to the water because we have things that come out of the airship which are drones that actually go under water, then we love grass because the grass is excellent for our product because some drones land with just their belly,” said Lawson.
Skyborne is partnering with Unmanned Systems Inc,, Gulf Coast State College and Gulf District Schools to help students work toward their license in hopes to one day hire up to 100 workers. Gulf County Economic Coalition Director Jim McKnight said the timing of the company’s investment couldn’t be more perfect.
“They’re creating jobs and a lot of enthusiasm in a community that is a little down after the hurricane,” said McKnight.
Skyborne Technologies said their products can be used in agriculture assessment, communications, education, defense, border security, health, natural disasters, and more.
