Aircraft Maker to Employ 600 in Wisconsin

Jan. 16, 2012
A startup aircraft manufacturer says it will be locating its manufacturing facility and headquarters in Superior, WI.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A startup aircraft manufacturer says it will be locating its manufacturing facility and headquarters in Superior, Wis.

Gov. Scott Walker announced Monday that Kestrel Aircraft Corp. is expected to create 600 jobs. Kestrel's website says its headquarters and manufacturing is currently located in Brunswick, Maine. It also has engineering and design offices in Duluth, Minn.

Walker's announcement of the project did not say how those existing locations and employees would be affected. A message left with the company's spokeswoman was not immediately returned.

Kestrel's website says it makes six- and eight-person turboprop planes. The company is headed by Alan Klapmeier, co-founder and former chief executive officer of Duluth-based Cirrus Aircraft.