C.E. Aerospace to relocate from Arkansas, bring jobs to Roland,

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Jun 24, 2009 by Brian Brus

An aerospace company will relocate from Fort Smith, Ark., to Roland, bringing about 100 jobs across the state line, officials announced Tuesday.

Company owner Cal Edwards said moving to Oklahoma was attractive because of the benefits provided by the state's Quality Jobs incentive program and an existing 400,000-square-foot production facility in Roland. The company needs to expand its production capability and staff, he said.

Local businesses also raised about $35,000 privately to help defray moving costs, "just to show them we wanted them here," Roland Economic Development Committee Chairman Jeff Roberts said.

"The facility almost sold itself," Roberts said of the former Therma-Tru Door manufacturing plant, which closed just months earlier. "The location and size was a perfect fit for their needs."

Roland has a population of about 3,000, the U.S. Census reported, and is considered part of the Fort Smith metropolitan area.

The company already employs about 40 people, Roberts said. Commerce Department officials said the company plans to fill about 100 jobs with an average annual salary of more than $30,000.

"It's very exciting for the community. Our biggest concern was for a facility of that size to remain vacant for months if not years. To already have someone move into it, well, thrilling isn't even the right word," Roberts said.

C.E. Aerospace builds stands that hold jet engines while repairs are being done. Prices range from $30,000 to $180,000, officials said.

"In Roland, C.E. Aerospace will have plenty of room to expand and to service, design and manufacture high-quality ground support equipment for the transportation, maintenance, and assembly of turbine-powered aircraft," Edwards said. "By using our experienced engineering talents and a committed manufacturing force, we serve the needs of airlines, aircraft manufacturers and aircraft maintenance facilities."

State Commerce Secretary Natalie Shirley said the aerospace industry is one of the state's largest and most important business sectors.

"Oklahoma, with companies like C.E. Aerospace, has become a national leader in aerospace industry activity. As the state's lead economic development agency, (the Department of) Commerce is working hard to help our aerospace industry thrive," she said.