Unique startup aims to cool off airplanes

BRADENTON — A startup manufacturing firm that makes high-tech machines designed to keep airplanes cool while on the ground plans to test its products at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

The firm, Verde GSE, also plans to hire 14 people over the next five years, according to release from the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. The company is based out of a 2,000-square-foot facility in the Manasota Industrial Park in southern Manatee County, near the airport, which goes by the call letters SRQ.

The Bradenton Area EDC and Manatee County worked with Verde GSE in the startup process. Assistance included help with site selection, rapid response permitting from Manatee County officials and coordination with Florida Power & Light to make sure the facility has adequate power to support equipment testing. Manatee County officials also approved $14,000 in performance-based incentives for Verde based on the 14 jobs that must pay 15% greater than the 2012 Manatee County average annual wage.