Gulfstream Aerospace continues to find success and strategic business advantages after locating its new service and maintenance facility in Wisconsin.
The decision to expand began with the company’s realization that it would have more aircraft in service than it had space to maintain them. With smaller service centers already at airports worldwide, Gulfstream had plenty of options for growing its service and maintenance operations.
Expanding its presence at Appleton International Airport in Wisconsin turned out to be the right choice for Gulfstream for multiple reasons.
Gulfstream was an ideal candidate for the state’s Business Development Tax Credit Program, which provides refundable tax credits to businesses relocating to or expanding in Wisconsin. With a planned $40 million capital investment that was expected to create 171 additional jobs, Gulfstream qualified for $1.1 million in tax credits over three years, dependent on the total number of jobs created and capital invested.
Additional site improvements, workforce training and financial assistance from state and regional partners made the case for locating in Appleton even stronger.
“We have a lot of customers that like to come to Appleton. It was a pretty easy decision to expand here,” said Ron Aldrich, vice president and general manager at Gulfstream Aerospace Appleton. “The State of Wisconsin is wonderful to work with.”
Gulfstream’s plans for the new 180,000-square-foot maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Wisconsin were announced in February 2018. The Appleton service center opened in August 2019, and after just a few months the company began to see a positive impact on the business. Nearly 100 new jobs have been added, with more planned over the next few years.