Aviation Repair Technologies Has Shown Two Years Of Steady Growth

An aviation maintenance firm in Blytheville, AK is set to add 300 jobs, as it has grown steadily over the past two years.

Aviation Repair Technolgies (ART), which is based at the Arkansas Aeroplex in Blytheville, announced the expansion plans Wednesday. Company CEO Ben Quevedo said demand for his firms products are up, and he sees the economy beginning to turn the corner.

Television station KAIT reports that ART's expansion represents a $10 million investment, according to Quevedo. He said the company plans to add a "very sophisticated" fully-automated machine shop which will need highly skilled workers to fill two shifts 7 days a week. He said in May, he plans to "hire the first graduating class" from the Aviation Maintenance program at Arkansas Northeastern College.

The company also plans back shops where engine part re-work will be performed.

According to its website, ART performs maintenance on Canadair CRJ and Embraer ERJ regional jets, ATR 42, ATR 72, and Q-Series Dash 8 Turboprops, MD80s and Boeing 737s.

FMI: www.artmaintenance.com