Wednesday, June 19, 2013
By Kaylea M. Hutson | Posted: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 9:03 pm
The news came as a surprise, but Grove city officials said they are pleased to learn that an Australian company plans to bring at least 20 "highly skilled" jobs to Grove.
Governor Mary Fallin announced Ferra Engineering's plans to open a facility in Grove Tuesday, during the Le Bourget Paris Air Show in Paris, France.
Mayor Marty Follis and City Manager Bill Keefer said they did not learn of the company's decision to open a facility within Grove's Industrial Park, until the governor made her announcement.
"I think this is awesome that an international company is coming in," Follis said. "I think we should say thank you to the powers that be, that brought them here."
Keefer said he was pleased to learn of the expansion.
"This was a surprise, but this will bring high quality jobs and the potential for growth," Keefer said, adding this addition could help the airport and Grove develop a niche for aerospace industry.
According to Lisa Jewett, Grove Municipal Airport manager, six aviation-related businesses are currently located within Grove's industrial park, which is next to the municipal airport.
Ferra Engineering's plans
Keefer said Ferra Engineering plans to move into an existing 10,000 square foot building near the airport terminal and initially employ five workers.
During the next three years, the company plans to expand into a 40,000 square foot facility and increase its workforce to at least 20 individuals, he continued.
Keefer said Ferra Engineering's expansion into Grove comes, in part, to an association with Pride Plating, Inc., a company based Grove.
"Through that relationship they learned about Grove and the industrial park, and thought this would be a place to develop their business," Keefer said.
In her written statement, Fallin said Ferra Engineering's plans show how Oklahoma is becoming a premiere destination for aerospace business.
"With the experience, expertise and infrastructure in place, we see the potential for even greater growth,” Fallin said. “We are excited about their plans to invest in our state."
More about Ferra Engineering
Mark Sherrer, CEO of Ferra Engineering, said the company chose to come to Oklahoma because of its central location.
"(This) enables us to easily provide service to our customer base on both coasts and international markets,” said Sherrer, in the release. “Oklahoma’s competitive cost structure, business friendly environment and strong existing aerospace supply chain made it a natural choice.”
Ferra Engineering specializes in the custom design, manufacture, assembly and test of aerospace structures and sub-systems. It lists companies such as Airbus, Boeing, Goodrich, Lockheed Martin and more as part of its customer base.
Founded in 1992, it also produces medical devices for the healthcare industry and components for renewable energy systems.