Rogers Joins in Ribbon-Cutting for New Aerospace Manufacturing Facility in Somerset
Friday, November 03, 2006

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Representative Harold “Hal” Rogers joined Sikorsky/Schweizer Aircraft officials in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Summit Aviation Aerospace Component Manufacturing Facility located at the Somerset-Pulaski County Airport.  Rogers was joined on stage with Sikorsky President Jeff Pino, Schweizer Aircraft President Paul Schweizer, Somerset Mayor J.P. Wiles, Pulaski County Judge Executive Darrell BeShears, Somerset-Pulaski County Development Foundation Executive Director Carrol Estes and President Mickey Ray, and other elected officials. 

“This is truly an historic occasion, not only for our region, but our nation,” Rogers stated.  “Southern and eastern Kentucky’s hardworking and dedicated labor force will soon be employed in manufacturing essential military and national security aviation assets.  The aircraft components that come out of this facility will help protect our front lines and give our brave men and women in uniform important tools to secure our borders and win the war on terror.”    

The 15,000 square foot Summit Aviation facility will sit adjacent to the Somerset-Pulaski County airport and will provide components for various U.S. military services, border patrol agencies, and law enforcement entities including; the RU-38B manned surveillance aircraft, the BLACK HAWK helicopter, the Fire Scout vertical take-off unmanned aerial vehicle, and the commercially available Schweizer 333 helicopter.  Initially, the facility will employ 15 skilled technicians.

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