West Star Aviation Expands to East Coast With South Carolina Facility

EAST ALTON, IL – West Star Aviation, a provider of business aviation maintenance, avionics, and modifications, is expanding its customer reach with a new facility near Columbia, S.C.

West Star’s new facility, which will provide maintenance and refurbishment services for a wide range of corporate aircraft, will be located at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (KCAE) in Lexington County, S.C. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for 10 a.m. Eastern time on Friday, Oct. 17, at the intersection of Air Commerce Drive and West Cargo Road, the future site of the facility.

“Customers have been asking West Star to open a location on the East Coast, and we are thrilled to come to South Carolina in order to meet their needs,” says Mike Durst, executive vice president and general manager of West Star Aviation. “This new facility fits into our strategic goal of providing convenient, state-of-the-art maintenance facilities for customers nationwide. Our South Carolina employees will continue West Star’s tradition of providing outstanding customer service.”

The new facility, tentatively scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2009, is expected to create 105 jobs. West Star partnered with the Columbia Metropolitan Airport Authority, the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Lexington County officials and the Central S.C. Alliance to bring its operations to the Columbia area.

“South Carolina’s aviation industry continues to grow and present new opportunities,” said Joe Taylor, South Carolina secretary of commerce. “West Star Aviation is a leader in providing maintenance and refurbishment services for corporate aircraft to customers across the nation. Their decision to locate in South Carolina demonstrates the strength of the state’s business-friendly climate and the skill of our workforce. Thanks to the team effort of state a local officials, Lexington County will benefit from this investment now and in the future.”

West Star’s new facility will feature a 37,500-square-foot hangar and a two-story, 24,500-square-foot office and shop complex. The facility is being designed by the Columbia-based Garvin Design Group and built by Hood Construction.

“The Columbia Metropolitan Airport has been a tremendous asset for Lexington County and we are thrilled that it was instrumental in attracting West Star Aviation,” says Billy Derrick, chairman of the Lexington County Council. “We applaud the company’s decision to locate its most recent expansion in Lexington County and we look forward to working with the company in facilitating its growth and expansion in the Southeast.”

For additional information, visit www.weststaraviation.com.