CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A Martinsburg aviation company plans to hire up to 300 workers during the next five years.
Aviation Solutions will repair private planes and U.S. military aircraft damaged in Iraq and Afghanistan, the company's owner said Thursday.
"The idea is a one-stop shop where you bring a plane in, and we inspect it, make the necessary repairs and repaint it," said Jason Kuhn, owner and president of Aviation Solutions.
On Thursday, the West Virginia Economic Development Authority authorized $1.2 million in bonds that will allow Aviation Solutions to purchase a building formerly occupied by Tiger Aircraft, which filed for bankruptcy in 2007 and has since gone out of business.
The Development Authority and the state won't have any liability to make or guarantee Aviation Solution's bond payments, said David Warner, the authority's executive director.
Aviation Solutions will specialize in aircraft storage, inspection, maintenance, repairs and repainting, Kuhn said.
The company would start with repairs on smaller aircraft, but eventually build a second hanger and service large military aircraft, such as C-130s, he said.
"We're just getting started, but that's the projected plan," Kuhn said.
Kuhn said his company hopes to move into the former Tiger Aircraft facility -- located at the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport -- in January.
"I'm waiting for the keys," he said. "The building needs cleaned up."
Kuhn plans to hire five to 10 employees at the start. He expects to spend $3 million to $8 million to get the business up and running.
Kuhn also owns Martinsburg-based J&E Technical Services, a nondestructive materials testing company.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A Martinsburg aviation company plans to hire up to 300 workers during the next five years.
Aviation Solutions will repair private planes and U.S. military aircraft damaged in Iraq and Afghanistan, the company's owner said Thursday.
"The idea is a one-stop shop where you bring a plane in, and we inspect it, make the necessary repairs and repaint it," said Jason Kuhn, owner and president of Aviation Solutions.
On Thursday, the West Virginia Economic Development Authority authorized $1.2 million in bonds that will allow Aviation Solutions to purchase a building formerly occupied by Tiger Aircraft, which filed for bankruptcy in 2007 and has since gone out of business.
The Development Authority and the state won't have any liability to make or guarantee Aviation Solution's bond payments, said David Warner, the authority's executive director.
Aviation Solutions will specialize in aircraft storage, inspection, maintenance, repairs and repainting, Kuhn said.
The company would start with repairs on smaller aircraft, but eventually build a second hanger and service large military aircraft, such as C-130s, he said.
"We're just getting started, but that's the projected plan," Kuhn said.
Kuhn said his company hopes to move into the former Tiger Aircraft facility -- located at the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport -- in January.
"I'm waiting for the keys," he said. "The building needs cleaned up."
Kuhn plans to hire five to 10 employees at the start. He expects to spend $3 million to $8 million to get the business up and running.
Kuhn also owns Martinsburg-based J&E Technical Services, a nondestructive materials testing company.
In 1999, Tiger Aircraft issued $3.5 million in bonds to build its manufacturing facility at the Eastern Panhandle airport. The bonds are now in default.
Tiger was once hailed as the cornerstone of the state's blossoming aircraft industry. The company originally planned to build a $30 million plant and employ 400 people.
In other business Thursday, the Development Authority helped clear the way for developers to build up to 100 additional cottages at Stonewall Resort.
The agency's board voted unanimously to approve bond documents that will allow the potential expansion of the lodge.
The bond money will help pay for planning and engineering expenses associated with the project, agency officials said. The Development Authority won't be obligated to repay the debt.
"This gives us the right to move forward," said Rudy Henley, the project's developer.
Henley said the cottages would be privately financed, but available for rent to the public.
The Division of Natural Resources and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also are reviewing the proposed expansion.
"There's still a lot of work to do," Henley said.
Stonewall Resort opened in 2002. The lodge has nearly 200 rooms. The state spent $23 million on the project.
Also Thursday, the Development Authority gave preliminary approval to a $132,000 loan to renovate the second floor of the Braxton Technology Center in Flatwoods.
Reach Eric Eyre at erice...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-4869.
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