Last week Christopher J. Willenborg, (Pictured at right) Aeronautics Division Administrator for MassDOT, shared the news that 
Gulfstream’s President of Product Support, Mark Burns announced expansion plans for Gulfstream Aerospace in Massachusetts.
Gulfstream plans to build a new maintenance hanger at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport which will create 200 construction jobs, 100 new full-time positions and maintain the company’s current 130-member workforce in the Gateway City.
A partnership with the Governor’s office, the city of Westfield and a $3 million grant from the MassDOT Aeronautics Division let to the $20 million investment by Gulfstream in the hanger that will accommodate their new G650 jets. Gulfstream received state-approved investment tax credits and tax increment financing. The grant will be used for roadway improvements along the airport’s perimeter and construction of a new parking apron.
Governor Deval Patrick said that Massachusetts is leading the nation in economic recovery, thanks to companies like Gulfstream. Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray said Gulfstream’s expansion is a significant investment in the City of Westfield that will put local residents back to work and support the region and the state’s long-term growth.
MassDOT’s Aeronautics Division is making strategic investments in general aviation and according to the agency’s Secretary and CEO, Richard A. Davey, they are especially pleased to support Gulfstream’s expansion project in Westfield.
In the second quarter, according to Burns, Gulfstream had the largest number of orders for new aircraft since the economic downturn began. Burns said that flying hours have increased, resulting in record-setting service demand. Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport is home to Gulfstream Aerospace’s Northeast Aircraft Repair Service Center. The new 100,000 square foot hanger, which includes office space, will boast a 120,000 square foot aircraft parking apron to meet the aircraft maintenance demands of the new G650 as well as their existing aircraft product line.
