North State Aviation to Open Facility at Global TransPark

North State Aviation plans to open an aircraft maintenance center and create 109 new jobs at the Global TransPark in Kinston.

The announcement was made earlier this week by Gov. Pat McCrory, N.C. Commerce Secretary John Skvarla III and representatives with the Economic Development Partnership of N.C.

North State Aviation, which opened in Winston-Salem in 2010, plans to invest $900,000 and create jobs during the next two years.

The start-up company has grown to employ 400 people in Winston-Salem. The company specializes in the maintenance, repair and overhaul of large transport aircraft, and counts one of the world's largest commercial airlines as its customer. North State Aviation is the largest tenant at the Smith Reynolds Airport in Winston-Salem.

"North Carolina is pleased to support North State Aviation as it launches its new presence at the Global TransPark," McCrory said. "Like aviation itself, this company started right here in North Carolina. Its owners and employees have deep roots here in the state, and we're proud of their continued success."

North State Aviation will employ workers in Kinston at salaries that vary by position, with an average annual salary of $39,688. The average annual wage in Lenoir County is $32,164.

"North State Aviation's choice of Lenoir County for this new maintenance center is more evidence that North Carolina's competitive costs, ready workforce and accessibility put us on the short list of aerospace and aviation industry destinations," Skvarla said. "Congratulations to this promising company as it embarks on an exciting new phase of growth."

The new facility in Kinston will serve a client list that includes major commercial airlines. The newly created jobs will include mechanics, inspectors, back shop utility workers and other positions.

The recruitment of North State Aviation was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $250,000. The grant requires a local match, and the company must meet certain investment and job creation benchmarks.