ST. LOUIS, Sept. 9, 2010 -- Sabreliner Corporation, a worldwide leader in aviation services, has announced plans to expand its operations and create up to 400 new jobs over the next four years. The announcement coincided with the recent groundbreaking of the company's newest aircraft stripping and painting facility in Perryville, MO, that will enable Sabreliner to provide services to more and larger aircraft.
"Sabreliner specializes in enhancing the value of existing aviation assets," said Pat Finneran, company president. "As both the private sector and government look for ways to hold down costs, the demand for our services grows. And that's a trend we expect to continue for the foreseeable future."
At 27,000 square feet, the new strip/paint facility is a bricks-and-mortar testament to the growth Finneran expects. The state-of-the-art hangar will accommodate stripping and painting operations for aircraft as large as Gulfstream jets, while continuing to provide inspection and rehabilitation services for a host of other military and commercial jets, propeller-driven planes and helicopters. Construction on the hangar is underway and is expected to be complete in 9 to 11 months.
The expanded stripping and painting operations are only one facet of the company's overall expansion plans. In addition to the new jobs those operations will generate, Sabreliner also expects to add positions for engineers, finance specialists and aircraft mechanics.
Although the number of new jobs is impressive, Jim Meier, Sabreliner's senior vice president, noted that they also pay very well.
"A well-trained and well-paid workforce is part of our competitive advantage at Sabreliner," Meier said. "Our goal is to create and maintain a culture of excellence. We aim to be among America's best places to work."
Sabreliner Corporation and its predecessor companies have deep roots in Missouri with a proud, nearly 50-year history in the state. Over the years, the company's focus has shifted from aircraft production to aviation services. The venerable T-39 aircraft, originally manufactured by Sabreliner, remains in active military service today, with ongoing parts and maintenance support from the company.
With approximately 500 employees in four locations, Sabreliner's expansion could nearly double the company's size, generating additional economic activity and tax revenue for Missouri as well as the local communities where the company operates.
