AvCraft Technical Services Announces Expansion in Horry County
December 29, 2011
Investment expected to create 150 new jobs
COLUMBIA, SC – December 29, 2011 – AvCraft Technical Services, anaircraft maintenance, repair and modification provider, today announcedplans to expand its current operations in Horry County. The $1 millioninvestment is expected to generate 150 new jobs.
“Location was a major factor in choosing to expand operations here.Myrtle Beach gives us a centralized location to most efficiently reachour customer base,” said Mike Hill, president of AvCraft. “Horry Countyofficials and the Myrtle Beach Regional EDC made expanding here a veryeasy process.”
AvCraft will expand its facility in Myrtle Beach to help the company increase its aviation MRO services.
“It’s another great day in South Carolina, and we are going to celebrateAvCraft’s decision to expand and create 150 new jobs in Horry County.Bringing jobs and investment to our state continues to be a top priorityof this administration, and we will build on this year’s success in2012,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Since 2009, Commerce has recruited more than $1.1 billion in capitalinvestment and more than 7,000 jobs in the aerospace and aviationsector.
“AvCraft’s announcement shows that our state’s aerospace and aviationsector is continuing to create new jobs. Expansions are proof that SouthCarolina’s business-friendly climate offers an environment wherecompanies can grow,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt.
“AvCraft’s decision to expand their workforce by 150 employees is atremendous testimony of our attractiveness as an aviation destination. Iam thankful for the company’s commitment to Horry County and proud ofour economic development team for this terrific announcement,” said TomRice, chairman of the Horry County Council.
“AvCraft is a tremendous asset to our community, and this project isjust the beginning for aviation-related businesses locating andexpanding in the Myrtle Beach region,” said Doug Wendel, chairman of theMyrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation (MBREDC).
The state’s Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved Horry County for a $100,000 grant for this project.
The majority of the 150 new employees will be in technically skilledoccupations, and the remaining new hires will be in administrative andsupport functions. Anyone interested in employment opportunities withthis company should visit www.avcraft.com.
About AvCraft Technical Services
AvCraft provides airframe heavy maintenance, line maintenance, paint andmodification services on ATR 42 and 72, Dash 8, Dornier 328 and othercommercial aircraft for airlines, leasing companies and corporateoperators from the US, Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe.With a highly motivated, well-trained work force that includesmaintenance technicians and support staff, the company operates from a130,000 sq ft facility at Myrtle Beach International Airport. Thisfacility includes hangars, back shops and a double bay paint shopadjacent to a 400,000 sq ft aircraft ramp area. AvCraft has partneredwith affiliate company Indaer to provide engineering, maintenanceplanning, technical services and field support to operators and leasingcompanies around the globe. In 2010 AvCraft and Indaer supported 46customers from 14 countries in North and South America, Europe and Asia.More information is available at www.avcraft.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Departmentof Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing businessesgrow. This year, Commerce won the Gold Shovel Award and the Deal ofYear Award from Area Development magazine. Commerce has been part ofrecruiting world-class companies to South Carolina such as Boeing,Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW and GoogleInc. Commerce also supports small and existing business, ruraldevelopment initiatives and offers grants for community development. Formore information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
