Phoenix, July 12 -- Nike announced Thursday it's going forward with plans to make soles for Nike Air shoes in a Phoenix suburb even though Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey blocked state money for the facility when the company pulled a flag-themed shoe from the market.

The shoemaker did not address the controversy in announcing its plans for a $184 million factory with at least 500 jobs in Goodyear.

Despite his earlier criticism, Ducey welcomed Nike to Arizona on Thursday.

"This is good news for Arizona and for @GoodyearAZGov," he wrote on Twitter. "500 plus jobs. Over $184 million in capital investment. Arizona is open for business, and we welcome @Nike to our state."

Nike faced criticism last week for its decision not to sell the Nike Air Max...