Fri, Nov 07, 2003
By ANN Correspondent John Ballantyne
Ison Aircraft, the
well-known manufacturers of aircraft kits such as the Mini-Max,
Hi-Max and Air Bike, has changed hands.
Actually, It Changed Hands TWICE
Charlie Cooley purchased Ison Aircraft a few weeks ago, then
resold it to a group of investors headed up by John Graber and Jim
Holbrook. These folks have been admirers of Wayne Ison's work for
many years and now report seeing the opportunity to take this 16
year-old company and grow it to the next level. "The name of the
new company is J. D. T.," said company spokesman Jim Holbrook.
Holbrook expressed that the existing product line will not
change. The focus will be on eliminating some of the building steps
to make the planes easier and faster to build. Research and
development will be another area dialed up by J. D. T. as will be
marketing.
The factory and office location is moving from Bradyville,
Tennessee to Nappanee, Indiana. The move is taking place right now.
A large hangar on Nappanee Municipal Airport (C03) will house the
new manufacturing and offices for J. D. T.
"We would like customers to give us a couple of weeks to get
everything moved and on line," said Holbrook. Customers who need
immediate support may call Lowell Farrand (260 894-3438). J. D. T.
expects to be fully up and running before Christmas according to
another report.
The staff at Ison
Aircraft are helping make the transition smooth although none plan
to be permanent employees.
The original company was named TEAM (Tennessee Engineering And
Manufacturing. The chief designer and owner, Wayne Ison, is widely
respected for his gentle manner, stream of excellent aircraft
designs, and willingness to tirelessly help customers. The folks at
TEAM, subsequently renamed Ison Aircraft, have a (deservedly) solid
following of loyal customers.
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