BAY ST. LOUIS, MISSISSIPPI - An Atlanta-based aerospace company has announced plans to place a refurbishing operation at Stennis International Airport. <br>
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Memphis International Inc. will refurbish C-130 military aircraft with state-of-the-art avionics, said John Salter, vice president of operations for Memphis International. The company is a subcontractor for Rockwell Collins on the project. <br>
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The work force will number about 25. Officials said the number is expected to increase as the company secures additional contracts. <br>
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George Deakle, director of operations with the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, said the initial contract is for a year, with an option for three more years. <br>
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Memphis International will hire as many people as it can from the local job market. Initially, three or four workers will be brought in from other company locations, said Deakle. <br>
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Deakle said the first C-130 will arrive in the spring after modifications to the existing hangar. The turnaround time for each refurbishing job is about 75 days, he said. <br>
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Hal Walters, executive director of the Port and Harbor Commission, said Memphis International will be handling the type of activity the commission wants for the airport. <br>
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``We've had many opportunities to rent this facility to those who are interested in storing aircraft, but that's not what we're about,'' Walters said. <br>
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Deakle believes the new tenant will inspire others to locate at the airport. <br>
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``Any time you bring in a company well known in the industry ... others look at that,'' Deakle said. <br>
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Stennis International, which has an 8,500-foot runway, expects to have its instrument landing system in place by Nov. 18.
