Adding 125,000 Square Feet

Duncan Aviation announced plans to expand their facility in Battle Creek this week. The expansion will start this month, adding 125,000 more square-feet of space to the already large 200,000 square-foot facility.

"As the largest family-owned business aircraft service provider in North America, I am thrilled that we will be able to provide excellent support services for even more business aircraft operators through this expansion," says Aaron Hilkemann, President of Duncan Aviation. "2006 marks Duncan Aviation's 50th year in business and I can't think of a more fitting anniversary celebration than completing a brand new facility that will provide the hangar and shop space for a potential 30% increase in our total capacity."

Duncan Aviation is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, and employs about 1,800. Along with the substantial center in Battle Creek, the company has 20 satellite avionic shops throughout the country. Over 480 employees currently support the Battle Creek operation, and that number is projected to grow.

"Customer demand for our services has been increasing steadily, and space has really become an issue for us," said Bill Prochazka, Executive Vice President and General Manager for Duncan Aviation's Michigan Operations. "This expansion will address our space issues, allow us to meet the needs of our customers and contribute to the overall growth of Duncan Aviation.  We are proud to be expanding in Battle Creek and we hope that our growth will have a positive impact on the local economy."

The expansion of the maintenance, modification and refurbishment shops is expected to be complete in March 2007. The first phase of the expansion will include the construction of a 40,000 square-foot maintenance hangar that will accommodate large business aircraft, such as a Global Express.

A three-story building will be built for storage of ground support equipment, including a lunchroom and office space. A 20,000 square-foot paint hangar will start taking shape in July. These facilities are expected to be ready for use in 2006.

Also, a complete renovation of the back shop areas is planned to begin in August and is expected to be complete by March of 2007.

FMI: www.duncanaviation.com