02/05/2010
Major Expansion Announced By Aeroframe Services at Chennault International Airport
Company will add 300 jobs this year at an
average salary of $55,000, plus benefits
LAKE CHARLES, La. - Today, Gov. Bobby Jindal, Aeroframe Services
President and CEO Roger Porter and Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach
announced that Aeroframe will dramatically expand its presence at
Chennault International Airport. Headquartered in Lake Charles,
Aeroframe, which specializes in maintenance, repair and overhaul
(MRO) of aircraft, will add at least 300 new, direct jobs this year
with an average salary of $55,000, plus benefits.
This expansion will bring Aeroframe's total Chennault presence
to 550 employees with a total payroll in excess of $30 million.
Louisiana Economic Development estimates that the 300 direct new
jobs will result in more than 360 indirect jobs for a total impact
of more than 660 new jobs, the vast majority of which are expected
to be created in the next six months.
"I'm thrilled to announce this exciting expansion of one of
Southwest Louisiana's largest private-sector employers," said Gov.
Jindal. "This expansion is yet another big boost for the Lake
Charles area economy. Thanks to our national-caliber workforce
initiative, Louisiana FastStart™, Aeroframe will be able to recruit
and train 300 new workers in as little as six months. Louisiana
FastStart is one of the reasons why our economy continues to
outperform the South and the U.S. We've made business retention and
expansion our top priority, and today's expansion announcement is
yet another example of the value of that commitment."
Aeroframe's expansion is the result of a recent surge in
aircraft maintenance work from both existing and new customers. The
company plans to begin hiring immediately. To begin accepting the
additional work, Aeroframe Services will add one line of production
every 45 days with each line including a minimum of 75 new
jobs.
"We fully expect this ramp up to be widespread and sustained for
many years. But the competition to service these aircraft will be
fierce and on a global scale," said Porter. "The good news is the
state of Louisiana and local political bodies, through Chennault
Airpark Authority, have continually invested in the Airpark for
many years to ensure it remains a premier facility and that the
productivity of our workforce remains the best in the industry.
This allows us to compete in the global marketplace -- and
win."
Aeroframe Services is working with Louisiana FastStart, the
Louisiana Workforce Commission and SOWELA Technical College to meet
its employee recruitment and training needs. Louisiana FastStart
will coordinate the recruitment and screening processes, develop
and deliver detailed training programs for recruits and
supervisors, as well as provide significant post-employment classes
specifically for aviation core skills training. "We have been
thoroughly impressed with their responsiveness and capabilities,"
said Aeroframe Services Chief Financial Officer Mike Long.
"The words 'hiring immediately' are music to our ears," said
Mayor Roach. "We certainly appreciate the governor's support for
this project. This is exactly the type of work we need for
Southwest Louisiana. It expands our local job market and the
spending power of this $30 million payroll will help support our
local economy in the midst of a difficult national economy."
"Chennault is one of our top regional assets in Louisiana, and
today's announcement is another example of its job-creation
potential," said LED Secretary Stephen Moret. "I'm especially
pleased that our new Louisiana FastStart team will enable Aeroframe
to attract 300 trained workers in just a few months."
Located at Chennault International Airpark in Lake Charles,
Aeroframe Services is a privately owned maintenance, repair and
overhaul (MRO) company for large commercial transport aircraft. The
company consists of two operating units, Aeroframe Services and
Aeroframe Airepairs, which are both FAA-certified FAR 145 Repair
Stations. Offering comprehensive aircraft maintenance services
backed by a highly trained team of professionals, Aeroframe is the
largest Airbus maintenance facility in America.
