AeroStar plans $2 million Alabama expansion, doubling workforce

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AeroStar's $2 million expansion (blue roof) will be adjacent to its current facility (white roof) at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, based on this rendering. [Photo Credit: Contributed]

Mobile-based AeroStar on Thursday announced plans to more than double its facility and its employee count over the next several years.

Aerostar logoFounded in 2011 to service commercial, commuter and military aircraft, the company has maxed out its current approximately 6,000-square-feet footprint. In order to continue its growth pattern Aerostar will make a $2 million investment in land, construction and equipment in order to add another 16,875-square-feet building next to the existing one at Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley.

“We’ve seen a dramatic increase over the years of airlines moving to smaller third-party maintenance providers, like ours, for component maintenance needs. To keep up with the stringent turn-round times, we need more technicians and test equipment,” said Greg Guzman, president and managing partner of AeroStar. “To fuel future growth, we need to invest in new test equipment that can keep up with the ever-changing technology of the newer aircraft.”

Work is set to begin in March with a completion date anticipated before year-end 2018.

David Rodgers, the Mobile Area Chamber’s senior project manager of economic development, said, “Entering into a fast-developing aerospace sector in Mobile, AeroStar made their presence quickly known in the industry. We are excited to see this homegrown business commit to new investment and jobs in our community.”

Aerostar currently employs 22, and officials say they will create 28 new positions through the expansion.

“There is no greater show of confidence than when existing businesses choose to reinvest in our community,” added City of Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. “We appreciate this investment by AeroStar because it will create jobs for our citizens and add momentum to our push to become a global destination for the aerospace industry.”