Local Aviation Company Expands Operations in Yoder

Sep 30, 2008

HUTCHINSON, Kansas (September 30, 2008) - - Today, Wichita-based Precision Pattern Interiors (PPI), a producer of high-end aircraft interiors, announced the expansion of their satellite plant at the industrial park south of Yoder and their intent to create 57 new jobs at that location. The project will cost over $1 million in renovations to an existing building, formerly owned by Collins Industries.

“Having had great success in our Reno County operations over the past 9 years, we are pleased to announce our expansion and the creation of these jobs to help meet our customers’ growing needs,” said Carl Best, president of PPI.

“It is a pleasure to assist a company of this caliber with their expansion in Reno County,” said Dana Regehr, Director of Economic Development, Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce. “Due to the growth in the aviation industry, we’re confident that PPI will offer excellent opportunities to Reno County workers.”

Led by the Chamber, a proposed package of state and local incentives was presented to PPI. These incentives include state and federal training funds, Enterprise Zone Incentives and local economic opportunity funds. The State, Reno County and the cities of Haven, Hutchinson and South Hutchinson partnered on the incentive package.

PPI is the first company in the region to receive funds from the Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grant, a federal grant received by a 10-county region in south central Kansas for the development of composites. The goal of the South Central Kansas WIRED Initiative, “Composites Kansas”, is to accelerate economic growth and transformation by fostering innovation and talent development critical to the aircraft and medical device industries and other technology driven employers in the region.

PPI first located their existing plant in Yoder’s industrial park in 1999. The abundance of skilled furniture builders in Yoder’s Amish community and excellent training at Hutchinson Community College were two features that initially attracted PPI to Reno County. The company currently employs 35 individuals in the existing facility. Once renovations are complete, these positions will move to the new building as well.

In conjunction with this announcement, PPI is hosting an area-wide job fair on October 15 at the Workforce Centers in Hutchinson, Newton, and Wichita. Interested individuals may contact the Workforce Centers for additional information or go on-line to kansasworks.com.

RELEASED BY:
Holly Schmidt, Director of Communications/Special Events
hollys@hutchchamber.com