Aviation Maintenance Provider Plans To Create More Than 500 New Jobs In Kansas City

Aviation Technical Services expands to KC, leasing 607,000 sq. ft.

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Dec. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Everett, Wash.-based Aviation Technical Services (ATS) announced today the company plans to open a new 607,000-sq.-ft. facility at the KCI Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Base at Kansas City International Airport in Kansas City, Mo.  ATS will create more than 500 new jobs over the next three to five years with potential for 1,000 employees over time. The company will invest upwards of $7 million.

"This is yet another step to secure ATS' future and ensures long-term stability for our customers, employees and company.  Expanding to Kansas City in the KCI Overhaul Base allows us to meet existing customer requirements and adds to our platform from which to grow and diversify our service offerings over time.  We plan to continue to grow in new locations that support this model," said President and CEO, Matt Yerbic.

With two existing locations in the state of Washington, expanding to Kansas City, Mo., will put ATS in closer proximity to some of its largest customers, allowing the company to improve customer service and expand its client base. Additionally, Kansas City will provide ATS with new competitive advantages and opportunities for future expansion. Kansas City will be the company's first location outside of the state of Washington. ATS evaluated locations across the U.S. for this facility.

"Once again, Missouri continues to be a global leader in the aerospace and aviation industry," Gov. Jay Nixon said. "Following Boeing's decision to bring up to 800 research and IT jobs to the Show-Me State, Aviation Technical Services' announcement today is further evidence that Missouri's highly-skilled workforce and pro-business climate make it an outstanding place for companies large and small to prosper.  This significant job-creating investment makes it easy to see why Missouri's unemployment rate has been below the national average for 51 straight months."

"Kansas City has a long history with the airline industry.  Jet Midwest started the momentum that led to today's ATS announcement. ATS' expansion plan shows that the industry's future in Kansas City is as bright as its past," said Kansas City Mayor Sly James.  "ATS had many options for its expansion and the fact that they chose Kansas City shows that our city continues to set itself apart from its peers. I'm thrilled to welcome ATS, and these new jobs, to our community."

"The decision by ATS is one of several commitments made this year to create new manufacturing jobs in our KC region. When new manufacturers serving the auto and aviation industry are added to the growing number of  information technology, logistics and biotech jobs being created by our local companies as well as new, entrepreneurial ventures we have a balanced economy with an upward trajectory," said Bob Marcusse, president and CEO, Kansas City Area Development Council.

Metropolitan Community College has worked to support ATS from the beginning of their site selection helping them understand the education, training and consulting services the college is able to provide. For applicants interested in job opportunities with ATS, please go to aviationtech.mcckc.edu.

About ATS
Since opening in 1970, ATS has been providing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for commercial and military transport jet aircraft. The largest and most tenured provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services on the U.S. West Coast, ATS is owned and operated in the state of Washington. From a base of operations in Everett and Moses Lake, FAA Class IV Airframe and Class 1, 2 and 3 accessory ratings enable ATS to perform MRO services for virtually any transport aircraft in the world. Today, ATS is home to more than 1,000 employees who work together to support a global customer base across five major business platforms: Airframe Services; Components Services; Engineering/Manufacturing Support; Aircraft on Ground (AOG) Services; Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) Completions/ Maintenance Support. For more information, visit atsmro.com.

About Greater Kansas City
Home to 2.5 million people in Kansas and Missouri, Kansas City corporations and lifestyle are nationally ranked among the best places to innovate and explore.

SOURCE Kansas City Area Development Council