Article by Sheila Stogsdill for The Oklahoman
An aerospace manufacturing company is expanding its operation on Grand Lake bringing 60 new jobs to the area. … Formerly known as Precision Aero Group, Orizon employs 149 workers at its Grove plant.
“Grove is attracting the best aerospace companies,” said Charlie Newell, Orizon CEO.
The $45 million investment will expand the existing 140,000-square-foot building by an additional 80,000 square-feet, Newell said. Salaries will range from $17 to $20 an hour plus benefits, he said. The company plans to install six Ecospeed machines which manufactures parts for the F-35, Newell said.
“We are building something unique,” Newell said. “This is something no one else in the United States has. Parts made right here in Grove.”
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The company has 24 months to install a total of seven machines, according to the development agreement.
Newell praised the work ethic and mechanic aptitude in the Grove employees.
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For years, Grove relied on its tourism base for economic development.
Now city officials are counting on the aerospace companies of Valence Pride Plating, Ferra Engineering, Malone’s CNC Machining, Inc. and Orizon to help boost the city’s economy.
“This is a huge deal not only for Grove, but Grand Lake as well,” said Grove Mayor Marty Follis.
“Aerospace is a huge benefit for Grove,” Follis. “Ninety-five percent of our (community’s) population doesn’t know what we have going on in the Industrial Park.”
Orizon has plants in Owasso, Chanute, Kansas, and North Kansas City, Missouri.
