Attempts To Lure Jet Maker From TX

The way some in West Virginia see it, Sino-Swearingen already manufactures some components for the company's SJ30-2 bizjet in their state -- so why not the whole thing? Members of West Virginia's economic development board will attempt to woo the American and Taiwanese company next week from its current San Antonio, TX headquarters.

As could be expected, their counterparts in the Lone Star state are determined to keep Sino-Swearingen where it is -- and they're willing to spend millions to do it. "We need to give them the support that they need," said Ramiro Cavazos, head of San Antonio's economic development department, told the San Antonio Express-News.

As many as 1,000 jobs are at stake, between the nearly 500 currently employed at San Antonio International Airport and the expected 500 new jobs to be created as the jet maker ramps-up production on the newly-certified SJ30-2. Those jobs will pay more than $20/hour, according to Cavazos.

Sino-Swearingen also employs 140 people at its Martinsburg, WV facility, where crews manufacture wing and fuselage components. Those parts are then shipped to San Antonio for assembly. West Virginia has also lent the company $4 million, according to the Express-News, to get its plant there operational -- and the state has a 3 percent stake in the company.

West Virginia has also made every effort to make Sino-Swearingen feel at home, throwing not one but two parties celebrating the SJ30-2's FAA certification last month. Governor Joe Manchin III was in attendance at both affairs, as were a member of Congress and FAA representatives.

"They were all very supportive and very happy that we achieved this goal," said company president Dr. Carl Chen.

For its efforts to keep Sino-Swearingen in Texas, San Antonio is already offering a tax-deferral plan on real and personal property. It's also making arrangements for the company to lease 24 acres at the airport for a proposed 250,000 sq. ft. expansion.

San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger has also been actively involved in the state's retention efforts, even going so far as offering to call Governor Rick Perry's office on Sino-Swearingen's behalf regarding the status of a $10 million grant the company is requesting from Texas's enterprise fund. The governor's office oversees economic development.

"There's communication back and forth [between Sino-Swearingen and the governor's office]," Hardberger said. "I think they see it as routine due diligence on the part of the state."

For all the a-courtin' goin' on, in the end the issue will likely come down to money -- something Hardberger implied Texas has enough of to keep Sino-Swearingen where it is.

"Certainly Texas can come up with the money to match West Virginia," he said.

FMI: www.sj30jet.com