DULUTH, Minnesota, December 17, 2012 — With AAR’s (NYSE: AIR) Duluth Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility now operational, the Company announced that it completed and delivered its first aircraft Friday. AAR has also created more than 100 jobs in Duluth to date.
This success marks a major milestone for AAR’s newest aircraft maintenance facility, which commenced operations last month, and sets the stage for the Company’s next phase of growth in Duluth. AAR is working to fill additional openings for 60 jobs at the facility. At full capacity, the formerly vacant 188-thousand-square-foot facility will employ as many as 225.
“We appreciate the dedication of the leadership team and the talented workforce who delivered this first aircraft,” said Dany Kleiman, AAR’s Aviation Services Group Vice President – Repair and Engineering. “We have made a significant investment in this facility and received great support from the City, the local community and our regulators. The Company is excited about the prospects for this business and becoming a more important part of the Duluth community.”
AAR’s investments in the facility helped turn the vacant building into a growing business while bringing the Company’s world-class MRO management systems and processes to the new operation. The Duluth MRO gives AAR’s customers more options and flexibility for maintaining their aircraft.
“AAR is a great company and a welcome addition to Duluth,” said Mayor Don Ness. “I’m excited about the jobs they’re creating, the business they’re attracting and their contributions to the economic growth of the city.”
David Grover, an AAR employee from Duluth who started working with the Company four weeks ago, said, “I feel fortunate to be part of the first round of hires at AAR and today is big day for all the aircraft maintenance technicians here. This job means a lot to me and my family, especially with the holidays right around the corner.”
AAR also provides MRO services from facilities in Indianapolis, Miami, Oklahoma City and Hot Springs, Arkansas. AAR offers turnkey aircraft support solutions as part of its “1MRO” approach. The Company leverages its diverse maintenance, engineering and technical capabilities to offer airlines customized, integrated services that lower costs, increase asset availability and ensure high levels of quality, safety and service.
AAR was named the Best Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Provider in the Americas, the No. 5 MRO in the world and Aircraft Parts Supplier of the Year in independent surveys of airline executives and industry professionals.
About AAR
AAR is a global aerospace and defense contractor that employs more than 6,000 people in 17 countries. Based in Wood Dale, Illinois, AAR supports commercial, government and defense customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services and Technology Products. AAR’s services include inventory management and parts distribution; aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul; and expeditionary airlift. AAR’s products include cargo systems and containers; mobility systems and shelters; advanced aerostructures; and command and control systems. More information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.
