Piper Aircrafts is considering moving to Columbia to build its seven seater planes. The 2.2 million dollar Piper jet airplane factory would employ about 1500 people.
Columbia aircraft officials say that they have been contacted by an airplane manufacturer about buying some land for a possible plant. Airport Commission Spokesman, Jerry Howard, would not confirm the rumors that have Piper interested in the; land, and neither would Piper company officials. They have already expressed interest in some land in Albuquerque as a possible site.
Piper spokesman, Mark Miller said that the company was considering a move away from its current Florida’s facility due to rising insurance costs in the state. He also said that a new facility would have to be built at a location where planes could be flown from.
The company delivered 230 planes in 2006, but the Turbojet will be Pipers first conventional jet plane. The plane will be capable of more than 400 miles per hour. The company currently has 180 orders for the as yet unfinished plane.
In addition to high insurance cost, Miller also cited a lack of a skilled work force and taxes as additional reasons for the proposed relocation.
The Columbia Airport’s Executive Director, Mike Flack has been authorized to negotiate with the manufacturer about possible construction on Airport land.
