Gulfstream Aerospace has built a new aircraft maintenance facility as an extension to its existing service centre at Appleton International Airport in Wisconsin. The facility is nearly 190,000ft² (17,652m²) in size and cost approximately US$40m. It began operations on 10 August 2019.
The expansion to the Appleton service centre includes 101,853ft² (9,462m²) of hangar space, which will accommodate 12 G650ER or G650 aircraft. In addition to offices, backshops and general support space, the expansion adds a new sales and design centre and increased customer access to Gulfstream’s design portfolio. The project, announced in February 2018, has resulted in nearly 100 new jobs at Gulfstream Appleton, with the potential for more in the next few years.
“This is a very exciting day for Appleton and the entire Fox Valley,” said Derek Zimmerman, president of Gulfstream Customer Support. “This beautiful facility represents the most significant expansion we’ve had in the 20 years we’ve been here. It is a tremendous asset to our site and the community. It will help us enhance the reliability of our growing fleet, support more customers and elevate their experience, continue to maintain a high level of safety and provide a world-class workplace for our employees. We are thankful to General Dynamics, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce Regional Partnership, the Outagamie County Executive, the Outagamie County Board of Supervisors and the town of Greenville Board for their essential support.”
Gulfstream will open four other expanded or new service centres in 2019 and 2020, in Savannah, Georgia; Van Nuys, California; Palm Beach, Florida; and Farnborough, UK.
The Appleton site is home to a service centre and a large-cabin completions facility spread over approximately 500,000ft² (46,452m²). Services include major inspections, structural modifications, major avionics installations and safety upgrades. The MRO operation is certified by the US FAA, EASA, Civil Aviation Administration of China and seven other civil aviation authorities. In 2018, nearly 500 aircraft visited the site.
Gulfstream says its new facility has several sustainable features, including sensitive land protection, a rainwater management system, enhanced control systems for heating and cooling, optimised energy performance and electric vehicle charging stations. It is expected to receive US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.
