Governor Announces Move In Monday News Conference

ANN has learned that the deal between the State of Wisconsin and Kestrel Aircraft is done, and that Alan Klapmeier's turboprop airplane will be built in the upper Midwestern state rather than in Brunswick, ME. Wisconsin will also reportedly be the new home of Kestrel's headquarters.

WI Governor Scott Walker (Facebook)

We recieved word Monday morning from Kestrel spokeswoman Kate Dougherty that the move was a "done deal." The Duluth News Tribune reports that Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker held a news conference at 0930 CST Monday in Superior, WI, to announce the agreement. The paper reports that the Douglas County Land and Development committee voted unanimously on January 10th to recommend that 13.3 acres near Richard I. Bong Memorial Airport be transferred to the Superior Redevelopment Authority to make the deal happen. It must still be finalized by the Douglas County Board on Thursday.

Alan Klapmeier reportedly began discussions with Wisconsin after problems arose with incentives promised by the state of Maine for the plant to be built at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station, which was closed by BRAC and slated by the state for re-development as Brunswick Landing. The Wisconsin facility would begin as a 35,000-square foot manufacturing plant which it is hoped will employ some 600 people over the next four years. It would eventually grow to 50,000-square feet.

Television station WEAU reports that the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will form an enterprise zone which will make some $18 million in tax credits available to Kestrel. “I am pleased with the aggressive package we have put forth in conjunction with strong local support to make this major job creation contribution to Superior,” said Governor Walker in making the announcement. “This relocation will be a huge boost to the Superior-area economy.” Television station WDIO reports that the overall state incentive package will include $112 million in tax credits along with a $2.4 million low interest loan and other incentives from the city, and $500,000 plust the land transfer from the county.

Kestrel says on its Facebook page that its current jobs and operations will remain at Brunswick Landing in Maine.

FMI: www.kestrel.aero