Aircraft company bringing more than 200 jobs to Duluth
by Dan Kraker, Minnesota Public RadioDULUTH, Minn. — A large aerospace company called AAR announced plans Tuesday to open a major aircraft maintenance center in Duluth.
The facility is expected to eventually employ more than 200 mechanics, machinists and welders.
Danny Martinez, vice president of AAR's Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Group, said the jobs will pay between $30,000 and $80,000 a year.
The operation will occupy the maintenance facility that Northwest Airlines vacated in 2005.
Martinez said that facility, combined with Duluth's vibrant aviation sector, anchored by Cirrus Aircraft, played a big part in AAR's decision to locate its new facility in Duluth.
"The people and the talent available to service our customers is increasingly difficult to find," he said. "And for us to come across a place that had both the facility and the folks available was a real find."
Martinez said the company is negotiating with two potential customers. He hopes to begin hiring this summer.
