SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 12, 2020) — The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) is pleased to announce that Airborne ECS will expand its facility in St. George, Utah, creating up to 73 new high-paying jobs in the next seven years.

“We’re happy that Airborne has decided to expand its St. George location,” said Val Hale, GOED’s executive director. “This expansion will create high-paying jobs for engineers and technicians with salaries much higher than the area’s average wage.”

Airborne designs and integrates the assembly of complex environmental control systems (ECS) for aerospace applications. Airborne is the only company that gives its customers full digital control over all environmental aspects, including pressure, volume and temperature. The company fabricates the world’s lightest, most cost-effective ECS using composites and 3-D printed materials, all designed in-house.

“We’re doing something special here,” said Brian McCann, CEO of Airborne ECS. “Next-gen aerospace is interesting because of the technological and economic upside. There’s a lot of momentum building up to challenge traditional industry dogma and bureaucracy through the power of advanced analytics and data collection. Airborne has a lot of momentum in that regard, and we’re excited to make our long-term home in St. George.”

Airborne may earn up to 15% of the new state taxes it will pay over the seven-year life of the agreement in the form of a Utah Legislature-authorized Economic Development Tax Increment Finance (EDTIF) tax credit. The GOED Board has approved a post-performance tax credit not to exceed $1,433,643. Each year that Airborne meets the criteria in its contract with the state, it will earn a portion of the total tax credit.

“Just as RAM Company has experienced, we believe that Airborne will find the quality of the region’s workforce, distribution infrastructure, and quality of life to be top-notch,” said Theresa A. Foxley, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah. “Congratulations to the City of St. George and St. George Area Economic Development on the area’s continued aerospace growth.”

St. George Mayor Jon Pike

“We envision a thriving tech ecosystem as part of our vibrant, diversified economy in St. George. We are building a place where our children can stay and earn higher-paying salaries while enjoying the quality of life we are known for. I congratulate the Airborne ECS team for their success and commitment to our city.”

Shirlayne Quayle, Director of Economic Development and Housing for the City of St. George

“This agreement reflects a lot of hard work and dedication from the St. George Area Economic Development office. They understand that Airborne ECS is a key part of the St. George tech ecosystem and a prime example of how we will continue to grow and attract a talented workforce — from both within the city and from outside the area.”

Dean Cox, Washington County Commissioner

“Utah has a long history of being a premier destination for business in the aerospace and defense industries. We enthusiastically welcome Airborne ECS to Washington County, and we are excited for the future growth of the aerospace industry in Southern Utah.”

State of Utah Tax Credit by the Numbers

Tax revenue:            $9,557,618

Wages:                     $23,246,659

Jobs:                        73

Capital investment:  $20 million

Timeline:                 7 years

About Utah Corporate Incentives

The Utah Legislature has authorized economic development incentives in the form of post-performance tax credits. Eligible companies work with the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development to outline specific performance criteria. Once GOED confirms those criteria have been met, according to statute (U.C.A. 63N-2-106(2)), companies can receive a refund of up to 30% of the state taxes they paid for up to 20 years. The contract with the state is post-performance; it only provides a state tax credit if the company meets its obligations.

About Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development

Under the direction of Gov. Gary R. Herbert, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) provides resources and support for business creation, growth and recruitment. It helps drive increased tourism, film production and outdoor recreation in the state. Utilizing state resources and private sector contracts, GOED administers programs in economic areas that demonstrate the highest potential for development. Learn more at business.utah.gov or by calling (801) 538-8680.

About Airborne ECS 

Airborne offers disruptive technical solutions in thermal management for commercial and military aerospace platforms. Airborne’s environmental control system design is the most efficient system offering in the aerospace supply chain and significantly outperforms competitive solutions in overall size, weight, efficiency, and cost metrics. Utilizing unique heat transfer technology, innovative intellectual property, smart-sensing capabilities, and its own software infrastructure to facilitate more efficient use and unparalleled security, Airborne’s system design is competitively unmatched on multiple levels. Learn more at airborneecs.com.