North State Aviation to Open Maintenance Facility in Lenoir County; Expansion Will Create 109 Jobs

, N.C. - Governor Pat McCrory, N.C. Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III, and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. announced today that North State Aviation will open an aircraft maintenance center at the North Carolina Global TransPark in Lenoir County, creating 109 new jobs over the next two years. The company will invest $900,000 over the same period.
 
“North Carolina is pleased to support North State Aviation as it launches its new presence at the Global TransPark,” said Governor McCrory. “Like aviation itself, this company started right here in North Carolina. Its owners and employees have deep roots in the state, and we’re proud of their continued success.”
 
North State Aviation, incorporated in 2010, has grown from a Winston-Salem start-up to a company that currently employs more than 400 people. It specializes in the maintenance, repair and overhaul of large transport aircraft. The company counts one of the world’s largest commercial airlines among its customers. North State Aviation is now the largest tenant at Smith Reynolds Airport in Winston-Salem. Its new facility at the North Carolina Global TransPark will employ 109 workers. Salaries will vary by position, but will average $39,688 per year. Currently, the average annual wage in Lenoir County is $32,164.
 
“North State Aviation’s choice of Lenoir County for this new maintenance center is more evidence that North Carolina’s competitive costs, ready workforce and accessibility put us on the short list of aerospace and aviation industry destinations,” said Secretary Skvarla. “Congratulations to this promising company as it embarks on an exciting new phase of growth.”
 
North Carolina Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson joined the Governor in Kinston today. "I was honored to join North State Aviation last year as they celebrated their fourth year of business success, and I am thrilled to be able to celebrate their continued growth by helping welcome this company to their new expansion home at the GTP," said NCDOT Secretary Tennyson. "We are pleased to support the continued growth of aviation in our state and to help bring more job opportunities to the people of Eastern North Carolina."
 
North State Aviation’s new facility at the Global TransPark will serve a client list that includes major commercial airlines. The newly-created positions will include mechanics, inspectors and back-shop utility workers, among other jobs.
 
“North State Aviation is proud to be a part of the growing aviation business here in North Carolina,” said Charlie Creech, president of North State Aviation. “We anticipate continued success and we plan for this expansion at GTP to be another seed operation that will grow in size and scope as our operation in Winston-Salem has done.”
 
The recruitment of North State Aviation was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $250,000. Administered by North Carolina Commerce, the One NC Fund provides financial assistance in support of local governments in creating jobs and attracting economic investment. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for grant funds. All One NC grants require a local government match.
 
“Congratulations to North State Aviation on its choice of Lenoir County for this important aircraft maintenance facility,” said N.C. Senator Louis Pate.
 
“This is great news for Kinston and Lenoir County,” said N.C. Senator Don Davis.  “These new jobs will have a positive impact on this area’s economy and quality of life.”
 
“I welcome this fast-growing company to eastern North Carolina, and commend our economic development leaders for working diligently to bring North State Aviation to our community,” said N.C. Representative John Bell.
 
“I look forward to welcoming these new jobs to Kinston and Lenoir County,” said N.C. Representative George Graham.  “This will be an important addition to our business community.”
 
237,100 private sector jobs have been created since Governor McCrory took office in January of 2013.
 
In addition to North Carolina Commerce and the EDPNC, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the North Carolina Global TransPark Authority, NC Works, the North Carolina Community College System, Lenoir Community College, Lenoir County, the Lenoir County Economic Development Department and the Lenoir County Committee of 100.