The Port of Port Angeles is pleased to announce that Airborne Environmental Control Systems (AECS), a New York-based aerospace company, has signed a five-year lease for 5,000 square feet in the Multi-Tenant Industrial Building at the Port’s Airport Industrial Park to set up manufacturing operations. They currently have substantial military contracts with several key Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM). AECS works directly with companies such as Raytheon, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Boeing, Airbus Defense and Sierra Nevada Corporation. AECS also engages in opportunities with several international entities who support DoD, NATO and joint allied initiatives.
AECS will initially invest over $200,000 in tenant improvements as part of its phased move to Port Angeles. AECS plans to invest in design, development, rapid prototyping and high tech manufacturing equipment at the Port Angeles site, and wants to expand to 15,000-25,000 square feet in future years. The company estimates that 18 to 20 employees will be hired in the first year, and a total of 80 to 100 over a period of five years as AECS grows and additional products are produced in-house.
AECS designs and manufactures airborne environmental control systems (ECS) for both airborne and ground-based military platforms, as well as thermal solutions for fixed and rotary wing aircraft cabin and avionics cooling systems. Its founder and CEO William (Bill) Lee grew up in Joyce, and has family in Clallam County. Mr. Lee has over 30 years of experience in the aerospace Industry with Fortune 500 companies such as Rockwell Collins, GE Aviation, Moog and Boeing, including 17 years living outside of the US supporting commercial aerospace, the US Department of Defense and NATO.
From the AECS web site: “The highly flexible, scalable nature of our products makes them a perfect fit for markets around the world, including defense contractors, the military, security agencies and civil aviation. Regardless of application complexity or mission demands, AECS systems deliver a strategic advantage thanks to their ultralight construction and unprecedented thermal control.”
“We are excited about having a very high quality aerospace manufacturer come to Port Angeles and have Bill Lee ‘come back home’ after his travels and work around the world,” stated Port Commissioner, Connie Beauvais. “Adding this business to the cadre of family wage jobs in our county will help provide career opportunities for our young adults.”
The cooperation and efforts of Impact Washington, the Washington Business Alliance and the Washington State Department of Commerce were integral in bringing Airborne ECS, Inc. to Clallam County.
“We are delighted to welcome Airborne ECS to Washington! Commerce’s top priority is strengthening communities through strong local partnerships,” stated Brian Bonlender, Washington State Commerce Director. “This project is a fine example of what can be achieved by putting a rural focus on our aerospace sector strategy for economic development. Thank you to Impact Washington, Clallam County EDC, the Port of Port Angeles and everyone who played a role in delivering good jobs and growth potential to the Port Angeles community.” ---press release issued May 18th
http://www.portofpa.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=147
To learn more about AECS, visit http://airborneecs.com/
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