Move Will Consolidate Operations

Lawrence, KS-based helicopter parts supplier Eurotec Vertical Flight Solutions has announced it is pulling up stakes and relocating its operations to the town of Eudora.

The company purchased the former administrative offices of M-Pact Worldwide, a medical supplies company, which closed its operation late last year, according to the Lawrence Journal-World.

Located on the north side of Kansas Highway 10, the 21,000-square-foot building offers Eurotec a chance to keep up with rising demand for new and used parts, said company president and owner Chad Decker.

Business has been good for Eurotec, with doubled sales over the past three years. The company has built a client base of more than 450 owner/operators and service shops that typically work with six- to eight-passenger helicopters, Decker said.

Eurotec has also secured two contracts during the past year with the US Department of Homeland Security. The agency's helicopter fleet has been steadily growing as have other law enforcement and security agencies. Air ambulances, oil crew transports and tourism-related helicopter demand has fueled the need for new and serviceable used parts, Decker said.

"If you've taken a tour in Hawaii or Las Vegas, most likely there's a part from Eurotec on it," he said.

The new building will enable Eurotech to consolidate its operations. In addition to its current offices, the company also has a separate 2000 square-foot storage center, Decker said. The company currently employs 10 workers and has plans to add another five to 10 within the first year in the new location.

Decker said Eurotec had hoped to stay in Lawrence, but was unable to locate suitable quarters and timing was an issue.

"Because of the rapid growth of our company, building new just wasn't an option," Decker said. "When we found this building on the market, it didn't take us very long to make the decision."

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the property had been listed at $1.295 million. The company aims to have interior remodeling complete soon and targets Sept. 1 as moving day.

"It's a long-term investment," Decker said. "We plan to be around for a long time."

FMI: www.eurotecvfs.com