Up to 150 new jobs anticipated
Albert Tripp, Chief Executive Officer, Airway Heights 509.434.4885; Todd Woodard, Director, Marketing/Public Relations, Spokane International Airport, 509.998.7265
Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 4:52 p.m.
Exotic Metals Forming Co. LLC (Exotic) of Kent (WA) today announced plans to expand its 48-year old aerospace supplier company to a second location at a new development site in the City of Airway Heights (City) in Eastern Washington. This move marks the first step in creating a new Aerospace Center of Excellence in Airway Heights.
Exotic and the City have been working together for 18 months to consider a number of sites to locate the company's new 150,000 square foot aerospace manufacturing plant. The final site location was made by Exotic following an extensive, multi-state evaluation for Exotic's new facility. The 56.6-acre site, purchased from the Spokane International Airport, is located near McFarlane and Lawson streets in Airway Heights and presents ample room for future growth and expansion.
Exotic anticipates the Airway Height's facility will be an employment site for up to 150 workers. Typically there are between 2 ½-3 ½ indirect jobs created for every direct job in aerospace, further enhancing the economic impact to Airway Heights and the greater Spokane local economy.
“We're excited that Exotic Metals is joining our City, culminating successful recruiting efforts led by our officials, Greater Spokane Incorporated and the Spokane International Airport,” says Airway Heights Mayor Patrick Rushing. “The Airway Heights City Council shares a unified vision and goal to grow aerospace in and around the City. Moving forward on this vision will help make the lives of our residents and businesses more productive and financially viable.”
“Working with Exotic Metals and the City of Airway Heights has resulted in a strategic win for the future of aviation and aerospace on the West Plains,” said Lawrence J. Krauter, CEO of the Spokane International Airport. “Today's announcement is evidence of the Airport Board's commitment to growing the economic impact of Spokane International Airport and its support of the regional aerospace industry. We look forward to a continued partnership with the City as we work towards furthering this goal.”
Exotic Metals, a six time Boeing Supplier of the Year, currently employs 900 employees in Kent, Exotic engineers, manufactures and provides after-market support on vital systems and components for the most advanced commercial aircraft in active service today. State-of-the-art, high-temperature, high-strength sheet metal designs and fabrications are produced for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Boeing and United Technologies.
“Working with Airway Heights has been very productive,” says Doug Gines, VP and COO of Exotic Metals. “The City provided a welcoming, pro-business approach that helped make this important decision for Exotic an easy one and will continue to pave the way for a seamless development process.”
The City pledged funds to extend sewer service to the site, add traffic capacity at the McFarlane and Hayford Rd intersection, and to fast-track the permitting process, which includes a 48-hour guarantee for plan review submittals.
“Our intention is to make Airway Heights an easy decision for growth and expansion in the aerospace industry,” says Mayor Rushing. “With no B&O tax, numerous incentives and expedited processes, plus over one thousand acres of developable industrial, commercial and residential zoned property, the City is primed for growth and economic development.”
“Congratulations to Exotic Metals Forming Company on its expansion in Airway Heights,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “We are pleased to support this 48-year old company as it continues to invest in Washington, capitalizing on the tremendous expansion of commercial airplane production at The Boeing Company. This is an important day for Airway Heights, the greater Spokane region, and the entire State of Washington.”
Exotic Metals Forming Company LLC is a family-owned and operated company founded in 1966. Construction of the manufacturing facility will begin in late spring-to-early summer and should be completed by spring of 2015.
The City of Airway Heights is in Spokane County and adjacent to both Fairchild Air Force Base and Spokane International Airport. Incorporated in 1955, officials have a unified vision and goal to grow aerospace in and around the City.
