By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
On Friday, it was announced that Commercial Jet is invest $12 million to open a new 400,000 square-foot facility at Dothan Regional Airport in Dale County. The facility will employ hundreds of people and will triple the company’s capacity to provide freighter conversion and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) services.
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (R) said in a written statement, “I am proud that the State of Alabama could play a key role in providing hundreds of new jobs for the people of Dothan and the Wiregrass area. We know that Alabama is the ideal location for the aerospace and aviation industries. This announcement further strengthens our emerging role as an aerospace leader in the Southeast. Nothing is more important to me than creating new jobs, and we will continue our work to recruit companies and help them succeed.”
U.S. Representative Martha Roby (R) from Montgomery said on Facebook, “Welcome to the Wiregrass, Commercial Jet! I am so excited about the 500 new jobs coming to the Circle City. Thank you to Mayor Schmitz, Governor Robert Bentley, Chamber President Matt Parker, and the whole team who made this happen. It is true that government does not create jobs, but Alabama leaders have done a great job of creating a business-friendly climate that encourages new industries to move to our state. With our capable workforce and determined work ethic, there is no doubt that Alabama is open for business.”
The Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives Mike Hubbard (R) from Auburn said “Because of hard work and a committed, skilled workforce, Alabama has enjoyed tremendous success in industrial recruitment and job creation over the past few years, and today’s announcement is proof we are not ready to rest on our laurels. If Alabama is going to remain competitive and continue its impressive track record, we must continue to focus on creating the 21st Century jobs that companies like Commercial Jet and fields like the aerospace industry provide. With vision and determination, I believe we can make the Wiregrass and the rest of Alabama a major aerospace hub for the nation.”
Representative Jim Patterson (R) from Meridianville said on Facebook, “GREAT NEWS ALABAMA: Alabama Department of Commerce announced this week 500 new jobs to Dothan. Alabama welcomes Commercial Jet to our family. Thanks to Governor Bentley, Greg Canfield and Paul Lee for their hard work to bring more good jobs to Alabama.
Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield (R) thanked the company for locating the facility in the Dale County area and said that the announcement is another indication that Alabama is well on its way to meeting its targeted industry goals set forth in the state’s economic development plan, Accelerate Alabama.
The President of Commercial Jet David M. Sandri said, “Our new facility will broaden our ability to deliver high-quality integrated aviation services to commercial airlines and aircraft owners and operators.”
The Vice President and general manager of the Dothan facility John Schildroth said that Commercial Jet is planning to hire several hundred trained and experienced aircraft technicians from the local market within the next few years. VP Schildroth said, “We are already getting a flow of new orders for our new facility, which will be open for business as soon as May of this year.”
