Pewaukee, Wis., October 2009 – VJS Lincoln, Inc., a division of VJS Construction Services that specializes in aviation development and construction, has recently completed construction on a new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for Hawker Beechcraft, a world-leading manufacturer of business, special-mission and trainer aircraft. Spanning 80,000 square feet, the state-of-the art facility is located at Indianapolis International Airport and features a maintenance hangar, shop and part storage area, administrative office, and fixed-base operation (FBO) terminal.
For its Indianapolis location, Hawker Beechcraft was interested in finding a contractor with aviation experience and a local presence. As a result, VJS Lincoln decided to partner with Indianapolis-based Shiel Sexton. Hawker Beechcraft commissioned VJS Lincoln and the local experience of Shiel Sexton to construct the Indianapolis MRO after an extensive review process of more than a dozen potential candidates.
“Our aviation expertise helped set us apart from the competition and Hawker Beechcraft recognized the high level of experience we have gained by working exclusively in aviation construction for many years,” said Rick Andritsch, Owner in Charge for VJS Lincoln. “A majority of our past projects have been in general aviation, so the Indianapolis MRO was definitely in our wheelhouse.”
VJS Lincoln’s understanding of the challenging aspects of an aviation project and Shiel Sexton’s relationships with the subcontracting community and local officials ensured the MRO was completed to the client’s satisfaction. The combined construction expertise of both firms enhanced the project deliverables and as a result, Hawker Beechcraft decided to move forward with its original plan to add an 8,000 square foot paint booth to the maintenance bay of the hangar.
Andritsch credits much of the project’s success to the strong working relationship between the project teams as well as excellent coordination and quick decision-making.
“Because Hawker Beechcraft wanted the facility to be finished as quickly as possible, it was critical for all parties involved to work well together,” said Andritsch. “We were chosen for our ability to respond to the demands of a tight schedule and our partnership with Shiel Sexton helped keep things moving, whether they were putting us in contact with local contractors or assisting with the permitting process.”
The Indianapolis MRO includes a 40,000 square foot maintenance hangar that can accommodate up to 15 aircraft at a time, a 23,400 square foot shop and part storage area, a 5,400 square foot of administrative area and a 6,500 square foot FBO terminal. In addition, the facility also includes a showroom area that allows clients to review and purchase upgrades such as aircraft interiors or avionics.
“Hawker Beechcraft has enhanced its ability to provide better services and amenities for its customers 100 fold with this new MRO,” said Andritsch. “Because of its modern and aesthetically pleasing look - qualities that are becoming more important in the general aviation industry today - the facility will have a greater overall appeal to customers. We are excited about the opening of this MRO and look forward to working on similar projects in the future.”
About VJS Lincoln, Inc.
VJS Lincoln Inc., a part of the VJS Construction Services family, is a leading contracting firm dedicated to excellence in the field of aviation facilities development. Headquartered in Pewaukee, Wis., the company provides an exceptional building experience for all clients by focusing on flexibility and teamwork to promote creativity and innovative solutions. From the jobsite to the flight line, VJS Lincoln strives to create a working dynamic that supports collaboration and a new way of thinking.
For more information, please visit its website at www.vjslincoln.com.
