Cirrus Aircraft Expands Grand Forks Facility in Preparation for Vision Jet Production

GRAND FORKS, N.D., June 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cirrus Aircraft today announced the expansion of its Grand Forks, N.D. facility to accommodate a new autoclave oven in preparation for production of the Vision SF50 jet. Modifications to the Grand Forks facility began in May and the autoclave was delivered today, when the installation process will begin. The building housing the autoclave will be constructed around this large piece of equipment, and is expected to be complete by the end of July with a fully operational autoclave by mid-August.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130627/CG39786)

An autoclave oven is used in the manufacturing process of composite parts – in this case very large parts, such as the carbon fiber main spar of the SR-2X series aircraft and the Vision SF50 jet.  Previously production of the carbon spar using an autoclave was outsourced to an out-of-state company. Bringing this process to Cirrus at the Grand Forks composites facility will save the company several million dollars over the next 10 years and creates the opportunity for future job growth. 

This project was made possible with the assistance of funding from a loan granted earlier this year by the Grand Forks Economic Development, Growth Fund Committee.

"We appreciate the ongoing support from the city of Grand Forks," states Bill King, Vice President of Business Administration for Cirrus Aircraft. "They have partnered with Cirrus from the very beginning and their actions and support confirm their devotion to our continued success."

The autoclave pressurizes nitrogen gas up to 125 psi during the cure cycle, which more effectively compresses the composite part, enhancing its strength and durability properties. Weighing 40 tons, the working volume of the unit is 8.5 feet in diameter and 40 feet long.

About Cirrus Aircraft Cirrus Aircraft is a recognized leader in general aviation. Its all-composite line of personal aircraft - the SR20, SR22 and the turbocharged SR22T - incorporate innovative and advanced performance, electronic and safety technologies, including Cirrus Perspective™ by Garmin® avionics and the unique Cirrus Airframe Parachute System™ (CAPS). To date, total time on the worldwide Cirrus Aircraft SR-series fleet surpassed five million flight hours with 70 lives saved as a direct result of CAPS being a standard safety feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The Cirrus Vision SF50 jet, with over 500 production positions reserved, will provide a new personal and regional business transportation solution: the personal jet. All Cirrus aircraft are made in the U.S. with a direct sales force in North America and authorized sales centers covering export markets in 60 countries around the world. Cirrus Aircraft is wholly owned by China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd (CAIGA). For additional information on Cirrus and its products please visit cirrusaircraft.com.

SOURCE Cirrus Aircraft