Australian-based Ferra Aerospace Inc. recently held a groundbreaking in Grove, Okla., for a new 35,000-square-foot plant. The company manufactures aerospace parts, including air frame and wing components. According to Mike Tackkett, Ferra project manager, some of the aerospace parts are for the F-35 fighters and the Blackhawk helicopters.
The new plant will be built on a 10-acre plat. The company has first rights on an adjacent 60 acres. The company currently employs 11 workers and plans to hire up to 15. According to its website, Ferra is a supplier to the some of the largest organizations in the world, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman and Airbus. Ferra expects to employ 100 workers by 2020.
Tackkett pointed to the aerospace growth in Grove as a key factor in choosing the community.
“Pride Plating is well known worldwide, and we started using them,” Tackkett said. “We also needed machining suppliers, and Grove was well situated — close to a lot of great suppliers.”
Pride Plating Inc. is a Grove-based aerospace company.
Ferra Director Karl Strauss said the rural setting, the community, state support as well as support from other businesses were all reasons he’s chosen Grove for Ferra expansion.
“We could have built in Los Angeles and the city would have said, ‘This is just another business,’” Strauss said. “Everyone in Grove has been friendly and welcomed the company.”
According to its website, Ferra is a supplier to the some of the largest organizations in the world, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman and Airbus.
