Precision Aero Services marks five years in Nevada

Ken Loomer, Precision Aero Services president, shows an engine cover that was sent to them for repair on a tour of the Precision Aero Services plant Wednesday afternoon during a celebration of their five-year anniversary. Among the people touring the plant were State Rep. Barney Fisher and Martin Hill, Precision Machined Parts, which makes parts for Precision Aero. --Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail

Five years ago, Precision Aero Services opened its doors in Nevada, moving its Hot Springs, Ark., aircraft repair facility to the former Honeywell building in the 1200 block of E. Highland.

The past five years have been a turbulent ride, but one that has brought growth and diversification to the facility; one that's meant growth from a facility with handful of employees to one that now employs 90.

In 2004, the repair operation started small. The economy was strong, and the company had high hopes for its unique service. Even though plans didn't fall into place as quickly hoped, the company grew -- but as the economy slowed, then spiraled south, it was clear that diversification was needed.

Precision Aero Services board member Rod Loomer said that in the beginning, most of the company's business was from repair orders; now the lion's share is from manufacturing, bonding and processing.

"We have excellent bonding and processing facilities, and one of the largest autoclaves in Missouri. That puts us in a different position in the market." That it's a strong and positive position went without saying.

A trend toward cost-conscious, reduced usage of corporate jets means fewer repairs are needed, so the company sought other ways to keep busy and to expand.

In early 2008, Boeing Philadelphia contracted with the company to make engine cowls for Chinook helicopters; and the company added other manufacturing processes, a bonding operation, with the repair division still in place but a smaller aspect of the services offered than the company had originally intended.

The engine cowlings had been manufactured in Spain for years, and Precision Aero Services president Ken Loomer said the Chinook project wasn't easy to take on. Workers later explained that at first, the target date for delivery of the first engine cowling was one year; but the military helicopter parts were needed sooner if possible, and delivery of the first one took just six months. Since then, production has stepped up, and Boeing representative Chris Hart praised the company's work, saying that now, every delivery is of high quality and on time, and, he said, "If Precision Aero Services had stock publicly traded, I'd buy it."

Ken Loomer said that negotiations are ongoing for two more projects, currently confidential, that would bode well for the company's -- and Nevada's -- future.

On Wednesday, Precision Aero Services celebrated its five-year anniversary with a ceremony that included recognition of community partners, employees and business partners -- all of whom played a vital role in the company's success so far.

"Even though we having grown to the extent some originally projects, we now have 90 employees, a significant improvement. Not only have we survived in this very tough economy, we are actually making some progress," Rod Loomer said.

During his opening remarks at Wednesday's gather, Rod Loomer took a moment to recognize some employees who have been with the company since it opened its doors in Nevada: Ed Thomas, Rocky Harring, Laura Jennings and Jeff Johnson.

Thank-yous also were extended to several businesses and individuals, from the city of Nevada, Missouri Enterprise, Precision Machined Parts, Boeing and many other local vendors like Quality Products, the Nevada sheltered workshop where many of Precision Aero Services' wooden crates are made; and community partners like the Nevada R-5 school district, which works with Precision Aero Services in a cooperative education program through which students learn a trade and learn skills that help make and keep them employable.

State Representative Barney J. Fisher, R- District 125, also addressed the crowd, saying "Business is the engine that runs every state," and businesses like Precision Aero Services are the reason Missouri remains a leader in job creation. Fisher was quick to note that legislators "don't create jobs." Rather, it's the legislature's responsibility to create a business environment that allows growth -- something Fisher vowed to continue working to do in Jefferson City.

The event concluded with tours of the facility, offering visitors in attendance a look at the specialized processes in action.