A company that has been part of Augusta-Richmond County for half a century celebrated that milestone yesterday morning. StandardAero first opened in 1974. It moved its operations to Augusta Regional Airport about 15 years ago.
Russell Ford, CEO of StandardAero, sent a video greeting to the dozens of employees and guests. He said they built StandardAero as a family, and it now has the highest credibility across the aerospace industry.
“When I think about our culture and justice, the phrase private workmanship comes to mind,” he began, “The intense focus on perfect execution, the highest standard for product quality, and the responses to our customers all are evident. Pride our best employees take in working on some of the most sophisticated aircraft. We value our employees with long tenure and a lifelong passion for aviation. This truly is home and grown, and not many businesses can demonstrate this history.”
The company provides aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. In April, it announced a $33 million expansion of its operations at Augusta Regional.
Using that construction as a backdrop, Tony Brancato, President of Business Aviation, said it is a sign of what is to come.
“It’s just such an honor to be standing here thinking about not only the first 50, but looking behind us at that backdrop, that’s the next 50,” he said. “We aren’t going to leave these hangers in the engine shops here. We’re going to keep these full and we’re going to fill that 80,000 square feet with more work and more team members. And for the next 50 years, there’s going to be generations that will come in here and work in these facilities and our new facilities.”
Herbert Judon, Jr., Executive Director at Augusta Regional, told ABD StandardAero’s longtime commitment to Augusta, coupled with the just-announced expansion, will bring added attention to the airport.
“It means that there will be more aircraft flying here, which helps us from an economic standpoint,” he said. “Oftentimes, there’ll be spinoffs, other companies that will consider us. There may be suppliers or other support-type companies related to StandardAero, so that will help us in that type of recruiting as well. And again, just more aviation activity generates a lot more revenue and a lot more reputation for our organization.”
Cal Wray, President of the Augusta Economic Development Authority, said he can use the company’s longevity and commitment for the future as a selling tool when he approaches other businesses.
“It’s one of the best tools because companies see not only was Augusta the right decision, it’s been the right decision for 50 years and they see him investing new money, so it’s the right decision for the next 50 years,” he explained. “So, manufacturers see what StandardAero has done, and see that Augusta is a good place, and most likely, the right place for them to locate and then make their own investments and create their own jobs.”
The expansion is on track to be completed in 2025. It will create 100 additional jobs, adding to the nearly 200 already on site.
