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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Single-Engine Airplane Manufacturer, Mooney, Restarts Kerrville, Texas, Production Facility

10/15/2013
After a five-year hiatus from manufacturing single-engine airplanes, Mooney plans to restart manufacturing at its Kerrville, Texas, production facility at the beginning of the year.

The firm said funding from Soaring America Corporation, a California-based Company, will provide necessary capital to re-launch and sustain the legendary brand. While details of the financial arrangements remain confidential, the company said it will continue to manufacture the Acclaim Type S, and the Ovation series.

"It's a new day for Mooney. And with a new investment group that is committed to the future, we're expecting to make a strong move in the industry," noted Barry Hodkin, Chief Financial Officer for the company. It's been a long time coming and we couldn't be more excited about our return to manufacturing one of the finest and most trusted airplane fleets in the industry."

Given more positive economic indicators and the unique market niche for Mooney airplanes, the company feels confident about a sustaining future in the industry. Mooney said its first order of business will be to hire and train a new workforce and reestablish the supply chain. The company is projected to recruit up to 100 people within the first year of operation. The company plans to hire technicians, engineers, line workers, accounting and sales people. Within two years, the company is anticipating employing significantly more people depending on the demand for its products.

"While we expect to be reunited with some of our previous employees, we are confident we'll attract new talent as we re-enter this aviation space. We're looking for the best and brightest people to help meet our vision for the future," said Hodkin.

The Acclaim Type S is recognized as the world's fastest single engine airplane. The turbo-normalized airplane is home to over 130 speed records with a normal cruise speed of 230 ktas and a service ceiling of 25,000 feet. The Ovation series has cruising speeds up to 190 ktas and a service ceiling of up to 20,000 feet.

"It's too early to provide the details, but we'll have some very exciting announcements in the near future about the technological advances that will accompany the Acclaim Type S and Ovation series," Hodkin added.

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