COLUMBIA, S.C. – February 25, 2010 – The South Carolina Department of Commerce, Marion County and North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) today announced that ACAS Landing Gear Services, a full-service repair and overhaul company with extensive capabilities to service a variety of aircraft, will open new operations in Marion County. The $5 million investment is expected to generate 300 new jobs over the next five years.
“Our company continues to see its customer base expand as we grow our market share. The facility in Marion County will allow us to meet increasing customer demand for our services. South Carolina provides an excellent fit for us, with a positive business environment and a top-notch workforce. We look forward to opening our new operations there and appreciate all the support from state and local officials,” said Gary Partin, CEO of ACAS Landing Gear Services.
ACAS’s new facility, located in the former Sara Lee building in Marion, will focus on re-manufacturing landing gear and landing gear components. ACAS currently services the Boeing 707, 727, 737, 747, 757, 767 and 777. The company also provides aircraft capabilities for Airbus and an array of military and commercial aircraft.
“ACAS’s decision to make a substantial capital and jobs investment in our state is a telling reminder of South Carolina’s growing role as a hub for the aerospace industry. It’s also an indication that we’re making significant progress toward bettering our state’s business climate and making us more competitive by lowering taxes, easing regulatory burdens, and keeping South Carolina a right-to-work state. I’d applaud the hard-working team at Commerce and the local economic developers for their efforts in bringing job opportunities to Marion County,” said Gov. Mark Sanford.
South Carolina is home to more than 100 aerospace-related companies investing billions of dollars in the state and operating in 23 of South Carolina’s 46 counties. These companies employ over 16,000 South Carolinians. Last fall, Boeing announced it will locate the company’s second final assembly facility to support the 787 Dreamliner program in North Charleston. Once completed, the facility will be one of three final assembly facilities for wide-body jets in the world.
“Today’s announcement is another indication that positive things are happening in Marion County. ACAS’s investment in Marion County is an adaptive reuse of an existing structure that will provide the company with an unbelievably competitive location and a skilled workforce. This is the second large jobs announcement in Marion County in just a few months, which proves that hard work and enthusiasm can go a long way and I would thank County Council Chairman John Atkinson and Rodney Berry for their efforts to make a real difference in Marion County. We welcome ACAS to South Carolina and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with them in the years ahead,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
“The most important thing I can do this legislative session is work with our local and state leadership teams to bring jobs to our citizens. ACAS’s announcement of their new operations in Marion County is another example of what can happen when everyone works together to attain a common goal - putting our workforce back to work,” said Senator Kent Williams (S.C. Senate District 30).
“I want to thank Gov. Sanford, the Dept. of Commerce, Rodney Berry and everyone else that has helped make this possible. Marion County has a great workforce that is eager to get back to work. This is very good news,” said Rep. Jim Battle (S.C. House District 57).
“Teamwork was the prevailing dynamic that won this project and it was performed firing on all cylinders by all entities. The announcement by ACAS substantiates that Marion County is back in the game competing for high quality skilled jobs. We welcome and embrace ACAS with a full commitment of continual support,” said Rodney Berry, executive director of the Marion County Economic Development Commission.
“We are delighted to usher in yet another outstanding company to the NESA Region,” said state Sen. J. Yancey McGill, chairman of NESA. “The announcement of ACAS will provide much needed jobs and capital investment for Marion County and is a further testament to the business-friendly environment of the NESA Region, the availability of a skilled workforce, and the dedication of this region to economic development.”
“When we worked to recruit Boeing’s second final assembly facility for the 787 to Charleston, we were confident that it would lead to a growth in aviation investments throughout the state and to see the first announcement come to the Pee Dee region is especially exciting. ACAS’s announcement also reinforces that companies and the aviation industry can be successful and flourish anywhere in our state,” said Sen. Hugh Leatherman, chairman Senate Finance Committee.
The company plans to begin hiring for available positions in March. Individuals interested in job opportunities are encouraged to contact the Marion One-Stop Workforce Center at: 843.423.8288 or visit their offices in Marion at 100 Northeast Court Street. The company will also join Marion County and state officials in an announcement ceremony in mid-March.
ACAS Landing Gear Services is a full service repair and overhaul facility with an extensive inventory and a wide range of capabilities. ACAS provides fast turnaround times and cost-effective repairs for more than 5,000 to over 20,000 types of hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and electronic aircraft accessories. For more information about the company, visit www.acas.aero.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Aviation training plan expands for HGTC
The Sun News
February 4, 2010
Horry-Georgetown Technical College and the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics have expanded their plan to partner on an aviation-related training program, said Marilyn Fore, senior vice president for academic affairs at HGTC.
Talks held Tuesday and Wednesday have led to more options for an associate of applied science degree, with emphasis in aircraft maintenance power plant, aircraft maintenance air frame, aircraft electronics (avionics) and flight training, Fore said.
"We're very excited," said Fore, who added that details still are being worked out concerning how the program would be structured. "This would provide the training for a student to sit for the [Federal Aviation Administration] certification in any of those four areas."
PIA applied to the FAA in September for approval to offer the courses here and is awaiting a decision, Fore said.
She said approvals from HGTC's area commissioners still are required, and notifications must be made to the S.C. Commission on Higher Education and to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, HGTC's regional accreditation body.
It takes about a year to get the necessary approvals and have the program in place, Fore said.
"That's where the technical colleges are so responsive to building programs that support economic development," she said.
"We can do it fairly quickly ... and we have experts in the area to provide information and make sure we have what we need."
Jimmy Yahnis, chairman of the board of directors for the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corp., said that HGTC's program lays a good foundation for the area.
"It's a great example of everyone working together for the betterment of the community," Yahnis said.
"It sends a signal to companies that we're in favor of doing whatever it takes to bring them into town and shows a willingness to support the industry."
Horry County Schools and Horry County Council both have offered support in HGTC's development of an aviation program.
"We are in discussions with the Horry County school district regarding how we can connect with the training of junior and senior students," Fore said. "We would be delighted to go forward with them."
Horry County School Board member Joe DeFeo, District 3, said there has been discussion about sharing resources, possibly for final testing, which in aircraft maintenance is hands on and can take up to three days. He said he hopes HCS Superintendent Cindy Elsberry will hold meetings in the next couple of weeks to see how much of a partnership is possible.
Interest has been high in aviation industry careers since Boeing announced plans to locate a $750 million facility with thousands of jobs in North Charleston. HGTC's program would give residents the skills to work for a company such as Boeing and increase the employees available to work at such a facility.
"PIA is one of the best aviation schools in the United States," Fore said. "It's going to be a rigorous program of study, but PIA is experienced at this, and they will be valuable with their reputation in teaching these specialty areas."
February 4, 2010
Horry-Georgetown Technical College and the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics have expanded their plan to partner on an aviation-related training program, said Marilyn Fore, senior vice president for academic affairs at HGTC.
Talks held Tuesday and Wednesday have led to more options for an associate of applied science degree, with emphasis in aircraft maintenance power plant, aircraft maintenance air frame, aircraft electronics (avionics) and flight training, Fore said.
"We're very excited," said Fore, who added that details still are being worked out concerning how the program would be structured. "This would provide the training for a student to sit for the [Federal Aviation Administration] certification in any of those four areas."
PIA applied to the FAA in September for approval to offer the courses here and is awaiting a decision, Fore said.
She said approvals from HGTC's area commissioners still are required, and notifications must be made to the S.C. Commission on Higher Education and to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, HGTC's regional accreditation body.
It takes about a year to get the necessary approvals and have the program in place, Fore said.
"That's where the technical colleges are so responsive to building programs that support economic development," she said.
"We can do it fairly quickly ... and we have experts in the area to provide information and make sure we have what we need."
Jimmy Yahnis, chairman of the board of directors for the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corp., said that HGTC's program lays a good foundation for the area.
"It's a great example of everyone working together for the betterment of the community," Yahnis said.
"It sends a signal to companies that we're in favor of doing whatever it takes to bring them into town and shows a willingness to support the industry."
Horry County Schools and Horry County Council both have offered support in HGTC's development of an aviation program.
"We are in discussions with the Horry County school district regarding how we can connect with the training of junior and senior students," Fore said. "We would be delighted to go forward with them."
Horry County School Board member Joe DeFeo, District 3, said there has been discussion about sharing resources, possibly for final testing, which in aircraft maintenance is hands on and can take up to three days. He said he hopes HCS Superintendent Cindy Elsberry will hold meetings in the next couple of weeks to see how much of a partnership is possible.
Interest has been high in aviation industry careers since Boeing announced plans to locate a $750 million facility with thousands of jobs in North Charleston. HGTC's program would give residents the skills to work for a company such as Boeing and increase the employees available to work at such a facility.
"PIA is one of the best aviation schools in the United States," Fore said. "It's going to be a rigorous program of study, but PIA is experienced at this, and they will be valuable with their reputation in teaching these specialty areas."
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