Executives Chewing On Utah's Offer

It's nice to be wanted.

As its A500 moves closer to to a much-delayed (and delayed again) certification, Adam Aircraft is looking for a new home. Although Utah is considered a prime candidate, the Deseret News reports CEO Rick Adam is also looking at Texas, Kentucky and other states as possible new homes.

"We've been told by some in the company that our offer is still the best one they have," said Ogden (UT) Economic Development Director David Harmer in an interview with the Deseret News. "No one has come back to me to indicate otherwise or come back to say, 'Can you modify your offer to be more competitive?' or anything like that. Our offer is an excellent one, and we hope it will win the day, but it's troubling that they're taking so long to commit."

If Adam's prediction comes true, his decision will be worth a lot to Ogden -- or wherever. He plans to hire as many as 500 workers within three years. "But we think it will be a lot more than that," he told the Utah newspaper.

Utah is attractive to Adam Aircraft for a number of reasons. First, the state is offering tax rebates worth 30-percent over the life of a facility that could be built near Ogden. Second, The A700s jets are made by Williams International. They'll be built at Williams' plant next door to Hinkley Airport in Ogden.

So what's the hold-up? Why is Ogden, along with other local governments, waiting?

Perhaps, said Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey, Adam is waiting for FAA certification before making a decision on where to move. "I can understand that," he told the Deseret News. "Why move forward if you do not have a product to manufacture yet?"

FMI: www.adamair.com