Mobile-based AeroStar announced plans to more than double its facility and its employee count over the next several years. The company founded in 2011 to service commercial, commuter and military aircraft has maxed out its current approximately 6,000-square-foot footprint, and in order to continue its growth pattern will add another 16,875-square-foot building next to the existing one at Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley.
In seven years, AeroStar has built an impressive list of clients, performing hydraulic, pneumatic and electro-mechanical commercial aircraft maintenance on all Airbus, Boeing and Bombardier platforms. The company has also benefitted from its relationship with VT Mobile Aerospace Engineering customers, such as FedEx, Jet Blue and Delta
“We’ve seen a dramatic increase over the years of airlines moving to smaller third-party maintenance providers, like ours, for component maintenance needs. To keep up with the stringent turn-round times, we need more technicians and test equipment,” said Greg Guzman, president and managing partner of AeroStar. “To fuel future growth, we need to invest in new test equipment that can keep up with the ever-changing technology of the newer aircraft.”
The $2 million investment includes land, construction costs, machinery and equipment. Work is set to begin in March with a completion date anticipated before year-end 2018. The company’s current employee roster stands at 22, and AeroStar officials say they will create 28 new positions. David Rodgers, the Mobile Area Chamber’s senior project manager of economic development, said, “Entering into a fast-developing aerospace sector in Mobile, AeroStar made their presence quickly known in the industry. We are excited to see this homegrown business commit to new investment and jobs in our community.”
City of Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said, “There is no greater show of confidence than when existing businesses choose to reinvest in our community. We appreciate this investment by AeroStar because it will create jobs for our citizens and add momentum to our push to become a global destination for the aerospace industry.”
Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood said, “We're always happy to see our existing companies expand. Homegrown companies are consistent with our goal of growing our workforce through entrepreneurship.”
About AeroStar
Aerostar Inc. is an FAA 145 Repair Station, based in Mobile at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley. Established in 2011 with two employees, Aerostar has grown to 22 employees over the years and has made significant investments in test equipment and employees to support our growing customer base and capabilities. Our current “Centers of Excellence” revolve around hydraulic, pneumatic and electromechanical component repair services on virtually all civilian aircraft platforms including, but not limited to Airbus, Bombardier and Boeing. The company website is http://aerostar.aero.
About the Mobile Area Chamber’s Economic Development Efforts
The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce is a private business organization with 2,000 members, and the economic developer of record for the city of Mobile and Mobile County. With the support of the Chamber’s Partners for Growth public and private investors, over the last decade Mobile’s economic development efforts have garnered $8.33 billion in capital investment and added 14,074 jobs, including 31 new businesses recruited and 59 expansions made at existing area companies. Additional information is on the Chamber’s website at www.mobilechamber.com, Facebook @MobileChamber and Twitter at @MobileChamber.