Major aviation employer headed for KCI

A new employer will soon be coming to the KCI corridor, opening a 600,000 square foot facility at the old TWA/American Airlines Overhaul Base. Aviation Technical Services, based in Everett, Wash. recently announced its plans to open a new 607,000-sq.-ft. facility at the KCI Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Base at Kansas City International Airport, creating more than 500 new jobs over the next three to five years with potential for 1,000 employees over time. The company will invest upwards of $7 million. “Platte County EDC is proud to announce ATS will be moving into the Overhaul Base at KCI,” said Alicia Stephens, Executive Director, Platte County Economic Development Council. “Our Platte County workforce ranks among the highest in the region and was one of the critical factors ATS looked at when deciding on its location here in Platte County. Not only being able to show our history in aviation, but the quality of secondary and higher education available here in Platte County, gave us the competitive edge needed.” With two existing locations in the state of Washington, expanding to Kansas City, will put ATS in closer proximity to some of its largest customers, allowing the company to improve customer service and expand its client base. Additionally, Kansas City will provide ATS with new competitive advantages and opportunities for future expansion. Kansas City will be the company’s first location outside of the state of Washington. ATS evaluated locations across the U.S. for this facility. “This is yet another step to secure ATS’ future and ensures long-term stability for our customers, employees and company,” said President and CEO, Matt Yerbic. “Expanding to Kansas City in the KCI Overhaul Base allows us to meet existing customer requirements and adds to our platform from which to grow and diversify our service offerings over time.  We plan to continue to grow in new locations that support this model.” Since opening in 1970, ATS has been providing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for commercial and military transport jet aircraft. The largest and most tenured provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul services on the U.S. West Coast, ATS is owned and operated in the state of Washington.