Newton, Kansas (December 18, 2018) – Site Location Partnership (SLP), a Dallas-based site selection advisory firm and Harvey County Economic Development have announced that Weatherly Aircraft Company has selected Newton, Kansas for their headquarter and assembly operations. Through regional efforts, Harvey County Economic Development and the Greater Wichita Partnership worked with the Kansas Department of Commerce to assist Weatherly Aircraft Company in locating a 26,000 sq. ft. facility at the Newton City-County airport.
Weatherly Aircraft Company is an American agricultural aircraft manufacturer of planes designed for small grain farming. The company plans to add about 109 jobs in the next five years and invest over $1 million in capital investment.
Gary Beck, General Manager for Weatherly said, “As a first move to make Weatherly Aircraft Company’s new home in Kansas, we have selected hangar space at the Newton City-County Airport as an assembly facility for our model 620-B plane. We appreciate the support we have been provided and will begin production within the first quarter of 2019.”
The City of Newton Commission and the Harvey County Commission voted to approve a five-year lease at a special joint meeting on Dec. 20th. Weatherly Aircraft will take possession in February 2019 and be operational beginning March 2019.
Harvey County Economic Development Executive Director, Beth Shelton said, “We are delighted to welcome Weatherly Aircraft to the Newton City-County Airport. This project is a wonderful example of collaboration between our city, county, region, and state working together to facilitate growth and create valuable jobs in Harvey County.”
About Weatherly Aircraft Company
Weatherly Aircraft Company is one of three American agricultural aircraft manufacturers, producing new aircraft since 1976. The Weatherly 620-B aircraft is designed for small-grain farming. No other new ag-airplane offers better profitability, reliability, or safety – an outstanding value. Weatherly ag-aircraft are safe, efficient, reliable, and affordable. Weatherly’s are designed to optimize small-grain agrochemical application.
About Harvey County Economic Development
Harvey County Economic Development is dedicated to the growth and advancement of Harvey County’s economy. We strive to maintain our economic health by supporting the business and industry we have while continuing the recruitment of new industry. We have a firm belief that the vitality of our economy is directly connected to the wellbeing of each resident.
About Site Location Partnership
Site Location Partnership is a multi-disciplined advisory firm that enables the growth of businesses, communities and economies through its two primary consulting areas – corporate site selection and economic development. SLP’s Corporate Location Practice helps companies from industrial and commercial sectors select the optimal location for expansion, relocation or consolidation of business facilities. SLP’s Economic Development Practice assists various organizations in implementing business attraction strategies for new corporate investment, job creation and economic growth.
Media Contact
Mark Darce
Senior VP of Development
Site Location Partnership
Phone: 972-874-7483
info@sitelocationpartnership.com
https://sitelocationpartnership.com