PAS Technologies soars to new heights at Hillsboro manufacturing facility
Lead Summary
By
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By RORY RYAN
and BRANDY CHANDLER
Since its April press conference to announce an expansion at its Hillsboro manufacturing facility, PAS Technologies continues to soar to new heights.
One year ago, the Hobart Drive aircraft engine component plant, located near Hillsboro's Industrial Park, had fewer than 100 employees. The expansion plans announced this past spring brought an additional 40 positions, and more jobs are available at PAS, a world leader in the manufacturing and repair of aviation propulsion components and surface enhancement technologies.
Currently, PAS is seeking applicants for:
• An engineering technician who has a working knowledge of CAD (Computer Aided Design), CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) and CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) systems.
• A process engineer who is familiar with the design and development of the tooling, gauging and manufacturing processes for the repair and manufacturing of aviation components. This engineer will lead continuous improvement efforts using the Design For Six Sigma (DFSS) Lean Manufacturing tools.
• And as many as 25 to 30 experienced machinists. Machinists can be experienced in the aerospace, automotive or other industries and are encouraged to apply on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at 214 Hobart Dr., Hillsboro or submit a resume to: brenda_ferguson@pas-technologies.com.
Given Highland County's double-digit unemployment situation since the exodus of more than 9,000 area DHL-related jobs in 2008, the PAS Technologies expansion is particularly welcome news.
Hillsboro PAS Technologies General Manager Dan Boggs said the average starting pay is $18.40 per hour, with excellent benefits that include medical coverage and a 401k plan.
Based on a 40-hour work week, that translates to $38,272 per year – before any overtime. For comparison, the average total HOUSEHOLD income in Highland County is $39,000 a year.
"The economic impact – with the possibility of expanding up to 170 new jobs – is tremendous," Highland County Commission President Shane Wilkin told The Highland County Press this week.
"With 50 new jobs at an average of $18 an hour, you're looking at an annual impact of almost $2 million," Wilkin said. "If you take it to 170 new jobs at that rate, the impact is $6.25 million a year. This is not counting the added benefits, which translates into more local business. This is an opportunity for Highland County to be involved with a growing, global business, and it's nice that we are getting work here – as opposed to seeing it shipped elsewhere."
"We need machinists that have knowledge of controls," Boggs told The Highland County Press during an interview and plant tour this week. "I don't care if it has only been with cars; if you can make parts, you can make parts."
Boggs said that $250,000 has been put into the Hillsboro facility in flooring alone, and that they have worked to make it a workplace that the employees are proud of and have a feeling of ownership.
"We really worked to change the look," the general manager said. "The machines are spotless.
"We operate under the thought of, 'the right people, the right parts, the right place,'" Boggs said.
A number of local, state and national elected officials attended the April press conference held at the Hi-TEC Center in Hillsboro to welcome the PAS expansion news.
Highland County Commissioners Shane Wilkin, Tom Horst and Jeremy Shaffer, Highland County Chamber of Commerce President Katy Farber, U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, State Sen. David Daniels, Rep. Cliff Rosenberger, Hillsboro Mayor Dick Zink, representatives from Gov. John Kasich's office and Congressman Mike Turner's office and others were present to offer congratulations and possible assistance to the local employer.
In addition, PAS President/CEO Phil Milazzo, announced at that time the local facility was in contention for a company expansion that had the possibility of bringing in 170 new jobs.
When asked by The Highland County Press how likely it was that these additional 120-125 jobs would be coming to Hillsboro, Milazzo said that he feels "confident."
"It's a matter of economics," Milazzo said. "We compete on a global footprint. The way the local and state community has supported this, we can go back now with our second phase and continue some strong negotiations. I feel pretty confident about phase two. We've got a lot of different opportunities. And you've got great people here. We're all about being competitive and growth. So I feel good about it."
This past spring, PAS Technologies signed a long-term contract with Pratt Whitney to refurbish aircraft engines.
"By making this announcement, (PAS) really is showing confidence in the workforce in Highland County," Sen. Portman said in April. "That's what this is about. All the incentives in the world and all the work from those of us in elected office and the (Highland County Chamber of Commerce) and others, are not as important as what the workers in that plant have shown and done through their productivity and hard work. So in a way, this is a tribute to them. It's also important that we retain that competitiveness here in Highland County, create the environment for success and continue to show a multinational company like PAS acknowledges we've got the right stuff. And I believe we do."
Hillsboro Mayor Dick Zink, who spent almost 30 years in the local manufacturing sector, said he knows exactly the type of people PAS can expect.
"I can vouch for the people you are going to put on board; they are very talented, and the ones that don't have the talent that you need, can be trained," Zink said. "I went through that for 29 years, and I know what we've got here. Without everybody's cooperation, we all know that this wouldn't come about. It just goes to show that when everyone works together for a common goal, that good things can be accomplished."
Boggs agreed with the mayor's assessment of the local workforce.
"The employees at PAS are extremely proud of their work environment," Boggs said. "The floors are clean, the parts are smooth, there are visual aids of the status of the company and how their involvement boosts the bottom line. We don't want them to come in with blinders on. We want them to be a part of the company."
In searching for additional associates, Boggs said that recruitment advertisements have been sent out in Columbus, Cincinnati, Kentucky and to other areas across the United States.
"Every Monday, we have a large group of new hires," he said.
PAS currently has 25 to 30 positions for machinists, welders and engineers.
When asked about the partnerships and cooperation with local, state and federal government, Boggs said the cooperation has been good. He credited county commissioner Shane Wilkin for taking an active role in coordinating the government agencies.
"Shane has been outstanding," Boggs said. "He has been our point man. If I have an issue at the local or state level, he's my voice. He carries the message, and we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Shane. The city and the county have been very supportive."
When PAS was considering expansions earlier this year, he said that Wilkin worked diligently to be certain the jobs came here.
"I don't know if (Ohio Gov.) Kasich (or other state politicians) could be doing anything differently than what you are doing (to bring more jobs to Ohio)."
Boggs said he has been in communication with Southern State Community College and Great Oaks to work on a curriculum for a potential long-term fix.
"The short term is finding qualified people," Boggs said. "They're not going to be able to help us with the 30 people we need today. Hopefully, we'll be able to use a curriculum they have in place, and we can tell people, 'If you intend on being a machinist, go to this program, and we'll give you a job.' We want people to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel with a good job and good benefits."
About PAS Technologies
July 2006 saw the launch of PAS Technologies Inc., a new business entity with deep roots in high-performance aviation repair services. Backed by a legacy of leadership and innovation in high-technology repairs, PAS Technologies will continue serving our aerospace and industrial customers with new designs and world-renowned service.
Today's owners, KRG Capital Partners, is committed to strong performance. They are providing fresh resources and vision to support and grow our operations so we continue to meet and exceed customer expectations.
PAS Technologies specializes in providing cost-effective repair and overhaul solutions for aerospace and industrial markets. By using innovative, proprietary high-technology repair processes, along with repair solutions licensed from OEMs, PAS Technologies saves customers money and delivers outstanding solutions. We help our customers control costs. They avoid buying costly replacement parts because PAS Technologies repairs their equipment, restoring its functionality and extending the life of their investment.
PAS operates multiple facilities that handle a broad range of components: gas turbine engines, critical airframe parts, gates and seats used in oil fields, as well as industrial components used in other high-wear, high-heat and high-corrosion environments.
A privately held corporation, PAS Technologies Inc., is headquartered in North Kansas City, Missouri.[[In-content Ad]]
and BRANDY CHANDLER
Since its April press conference to announce an expansion at its Hillsboro manufacturing facility, PAS Technologies continues to soar to new heights.
One year ago, the Hobart Drive aircraft engine component plant, located near Hillsboro's Industrial Park, had fewer than 100 employees. The expansion plans announced this past spring brought an additional 40 positions, and more jobs are available at PAS, a world leader in the manufacturing and repair of aviation propulsion components and surface enhancement technologies.
Currently, PAS is seeking applicants for:
• An engineering technician who has a working knowledge of CAD (Computer Aided Design), CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) and CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) systems.
• A process engineer who is familiar with the design and development of the tooling, gauging and manufacturing processes for the repair and manufacturing of aviation components. This engineer will lead continuous improvement efforts using the Design For Six Sigma (DFSS) Lean Manufacturing tools.
• And as many as 25 to 30 experienced machinists. Machinists can be experienced in the aerospace, automotive or other industries and are encouraged to apply on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at 214 Hobart Dr., Hillsboro or submit a resume to: brenda_ferguson@pas-technologies.com.
Given Highland County's double-digit unemployment situation since the exodus of more than 9,000 area DHL-related jobs in 2008, the PAS Technologies expansion is particularly welcome news.
Hillsboro PAS Technologies General Manager Dan Boggs said the average starting pay is $18.40 per hour, with excellent benefits that include medical coverage and a 401k plan.
Based on a 40-hour work week, that translates to $38,272 per year – before any overtime. For comparison, the average total HOUSEHOLD income in Highland County is $39,000 a year.
"The economic impact – with the possibility of expanding up to 170 new jobs – is tremendous," Highland County Commission President Shane Wilkin told The Highland County Press this week.
"With 50 new jobs at an average of $18 an hour, you're looking at an annual impact of almost $2 million," Wilkin said. "If you take it to 170 new jobs at that rate, the impact is $6.25 million a year. This is not counting the added benefits, which translates into more local business. This is an opportunity for Highland County to be involved with a growing, global business, and it's nice that we are getting work here – as opposed to seeing it shipped elsewhere."
"We need machinists that have knowledge of controls," Boggs told The Highland County Press during an interview and plant tour this week. "I don't care if it has only been with cars; if you can make parts, you can make parts."
Boggs said that $250,000 has been put into the Hillsboro facility in flooring alone, and that they have worked to make it a workplace that the employees are proud of and have a feeling of ownership.
"We really worked to change the look," the general manager said. "The machines are spotless.
"We operate under the thought of, 'the right people, the right parts, the right place,'" Boggs said.
A number of local, state and national elected officials attended the April press conference held at the Hi-TEC Center in Hillsboro to welcome the PAS expansion news.
Highland County Commissioners Shane Wilkin, Tom Horst and Jeremy Shaffer, Highland County Chamber of Commerce President Katy Farber, U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, State Sen. David Daniels, Rep. Cliff Rosenberger, Hillsboro Mayor Dick Zink, representatives from Gov. John Kasich's office and Congressman Mike Turner's office and others were present to offer congratulations and possible assistance to the local employer.
In addition, PAS President/CEO Phil Milazzo, announced at that time the local facility was in contention for a company expansion that had the possibility of bringing in 170 new jobs.
When asked by The Highland County Press how likely it was that these additional 120-125 jobs would be coming to Hillsboro, Milazzo said that he feels "confident."
"It's a matter of economics," Milazzo said. "We compete on a global footprint. The way the local and state community has supported this, we can go back now with our second phase and continue some strong negotiations. I feel pretty confident about phase two. We've got a lot of different opportunities. And you've got great people here. We're all about being competitive and growth. So I feel good about it."
This past spring, PAS Technologies signed a long-term contract with Pratt Whitney to refurbish aircraft engines.
"By making this announcement, (PAS) really is showing confidence in the workforce in Highland County," Sen. Portman said in April. "That's what this is about. All the incentives in the world and all the work from those of us in elected office and the (Highland County Chamber of Commerce) and others, are not as important as what the workers in that plant have shown and done through their productivity and hard work. So in a way, this is a tribute to them. It's also important that we retain that competitiveness here in Highland County, create the environment for success and continue to show a multinational company like PAS acknowledges we've got the right stuff. And I believe we do."
Hillsboro Mayor Dick Zink, who spent almost 30 years in the local manufacturing sector, said he knows exactly the type of people PAS can expect.
"I can vouch for the people you are going to put on board; they are very talented, and the ones that don't have the talent that you need, can be trained," Zink said. "I went through that for 29 years, and I know what we've got here. Without everybody's cooperation, we all know that this wouldn't come about. It just goes to show that when everyone works together for a common goal, that good things can be accomplished."
Boggs agreed with the mayor's assessment of the local workforce.
"The employees at PAS are extremely proud of their work environment," Boggs said. "The floors are clean, the parts are smooth, there are visual aids of the status of the company and how their involvement boosts the bottom line. We don't want them to come in with blinders on. We want them to be a part of the company."
In searching for additional associates, Boggs said that recruitment advertisements have been sent out in Columbus, Cincinnati, Kentucky and to other areas across the United States.
"Every Monday, we have a large group of new hires," he said.
PAS currently has 25 to 30 positions for machinists, welders and engineers.
When asked about the partnerships and cooperation with local, state and federal government, Boggs said the cooperation has been good. He credited county commissioner Shane Wilkin for taking an active role in coordinating the government agencies.
"Shane has been outstanding," Boggs said. "He has been our point man. If I have an issue at the local or state level, he's my voice. He carries the message, and we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Shane. The city and the county have been very supportive."
When PAS was considering expansions earlier this year, he said that Wilkin worked diligently to be certain the jobs came here.
"I don't know if (Ohio Gov.) Kasich (or other state politicians) could be doing anything differently than what you are doing (to bring more jobs to Ohio)."
Boggs said he has been in communication with Southern State Community College and Great Oaks to work on a curriculum for a potential long-term fix.
"The short term is finding qualified people," Boggs said. "They're not going to be able to help us with the 30 people we need today. Hopefully, we'll be able to use a curriculum they have in place, and we can tell people, 'If you intend on being a machinist, go to this program, and we'll give you a job.' We want people to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel with a good job and good benefits."
About PAS Technologies
July 2006 saw the launch of PAS Technologies Inc., a new business entity with deep roots in high-performance aviation repair services. Backed by a legacy of leadership and innovation in high-technology repairs, PAS Technologies will continue serving our aerospace and industrial customers with new designs and world-renowned service.
Today's owners, KRG Capital Partners, is committed to strong performance. They are providing fresh resources and vision to support and grow our operations so we continue to meet and exceed customer expectations.
PAS Technologies specializes in providing cost-effective repair and overhaul solutions for aerospace and industrial markets. By using innovative, proprietary high-technology repair processes, along with repair solutions licensed from OEMs, PAS Technologies saves customers money and delivers outstanding solutions. We help our customers control costs. They avoid buying costly replacement parts because PAS Technologies repairs their equipment, restoring its functionality and extending the life of their investment.
PAS operates multiple facilities that handle a broad range of components: gas turbine engines, critical airframe parts, gates and seats used in oil fields, as well as industrial components used in other high-wear, high-heat and high-corrosion environments.
A privately held corporation, PAS Technologies Inc., is headquartered in North Kansas City, Missouri.[[In-content Ad]]