Aviation machining company plans to create 20 new jobs
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Southern Air Repair Corp., an aviation component repair provider, today announced that it has established its new production facility and headquarters in Greenville County. The $750,000 investment is expected to generate 20 new jobs.
Originally founded in West Palm Beach in 1997, the company provides precision machining and welding repairs to accessory component piece parts for major airlines and regional carriers, and is a certified FAA Part 145 Repair Station. In addition to being FAA certified, Southern Air Repair is also European Aviation Safety Association (EASA) certified.
“Our objective is to provide outstanding customer service, high-quality repair and production and rapid just-in-time delivery that meet the needs of today’s aviation industry,” said Scott Patterson, president of Southern Air Repair. “We are pleased to launch our new operations here in Greenville County, and are very appreciative for the support and leadership of the Greenville Area Development Corporation, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Upstate community in making this announcement a reality.”
Southern Air Repair takes non-serviceable parts that might normally be scrapped and makes them serviceable again through FAA-approved repair processes, substantially reducing costs and increasing profitability for their airline customers in the process, noted Patterson. Focusing primarily on repairs of pneumatic valves, transmissions, generators and turbine components, all repairs go through a rigorous review and approval process that results in repaired parts being equal to or better than an OEM-provided part, and at lower cost.
In addition to availability of skilled workforce and quality of life considerations, Patterson noted that a key factor in the relocation decision to Greenville County was the region’s strategic emphasis on building the aerospace and aviation sectors. “I had attended an Aviation/Aerospace Cluster meeting last year hosted by Clemson’s Small Business Development Center and attended by the GADC, Department of Commerce, Boeing and other regional manufacturers. It spoke volumes about the region’s commitment to working together in growing our industry.”
“Small businesses like Southern Air Repair are the backbone of our state’s economy. We celebrate the company’s decision to invest in the Palmetto State and create 20 new jobs. This administration remains committed to making sure South Carolina continues to be a place where businesses of all sizes find success,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
In the past year, South Carolina has recruited more than $100 million in investment and more than 900 new jobs in the aviation and aerospace-related sector.
“Southern Air Repair’s decision to locate its new facility in Greenville is another boost to South Carolina’s aviation sector, and shows that our state’s business-friendly climate is working to attract investment and new jobs,” said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
“Southern Air Repair is a wonderful example of a company that is using leading edge technology, lean processes and home-grown talent to succeed here in the Upstate,” said Chris Riley, chairman of the Greenville Area Development Corporation. “The company is an entrepreneurial business with innovative processes and rapid growth potential, and is a great example of the opportunity to be found here in Greenville County. We welcome them to South Carolina and to our growing aviation cluster of businesses.”
The company has already filled several positions, but intends to continue adding machinist technicians, quality support positions, shipping/receiving and office support roles, Patterson noted. Anyone interested in being considered for positions should submit resumes via email to [email protected].
About Southern Air Repair Corp.
Southern Air Repair is an aerospace engineering company providing machining repairs to accessory component piece parts. In business since 1997, the company services airlines, regional carriers and 145 repair stations, establishing a reputation for returning non-serviceable parts that might normally be scrapped to serviceable condition through FAA-approved repairs. For more information, visit www.southernairrepair.com.