Archived news files for June 2003
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Alva airport site of new facility for Plane Plastics
By Paul Monies, The Oklahoman
June 19, 2003

ALVA - Fast-growing Plane Plastics, a maker of replacement interior parts for airplanes and helicopters, planes to build a new manufacturing facility oat the Alva Regional Airport and add about 15 jobs.

Plane Plastics, currently located in downtown Alva, will almost double its manufacturing space to 22,000 square feet when the company moves to the airport, said Mike Payne, executive director of the Alva Economic Development Authority. The company has 39 employees.

The Alva City Council earlier this week approved the development authority's issuance of up to $750,000, in revenue bonds for the building's construction. The bonds will be paid back through lease payments from Plane Plastics, Payne said.

He said with the planned expansion, Alva is hoping to attract similar companies to relocate or start businesses at the airport. It's too early to say when the bonds might be issued or the new facility might be ready, but "we're definitely on the road to it," he said.

Plane Plastics makes replacement parts for several small aircraft, including Cessna, Piper and Beechcraft airplanes and Bell helicopters. It has more than 3,500 parts in its product lines.

Scott Brown, general manager, said the company has doubled its revenue in the last two years and increased its work force in Alva to 39 employees from 17.

"This expansion will enhance the quality of the work we do and allows us to work on the development of new products," he said.

Plane had offers to move into existing buildings in Alva, but thought it could better serve new customers by relocating to the airport, he said.

Brown said the company hopes to expand into replacement upholstery and eventually into full aircraft renovation and maintenance.

Plane's corporate parent, California-based Vantage Associates Inc., bought in 2000 and changed the name to Plane Plastics.

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Business taking off
By Scott Fitzgerald, Enid News & Eagle
June 22, 2003

ALVA - Expansion plans recently announced by Plane Plastics, an industrial mainstay here, is expected to ignite more growth for the town's industrial park at Alva Regional Airport.

"The airport offered land availability. This is what we've been looking at. We've wanted to stimulate our aviation industry with a grander plan," said Mike Payne, Alva Economic Development Authority executive director.

Plane Plastics, a small aircraft and helicopter interior parts manufacturer, will build a 22,000- square -foot plant at Alva Regional Airport.

The expansion is projected to increase the Plane Plastics employees base form 39 to 54 when the plant opens.

It is expected to draw other related industries to the airport industrial park. "We're talking to some other aviation companies," Payne said.

City council commissioners approved earlier this month, issuance of $750,000 in revenue bonds for construction costs of the new Plane Plastics plant. A groundbreaking date has not been set.

The bonds, approximate 15-to 20-year notes, are expected to be locally purchased and will be paid through lease payments from Plane Plastics.

Since 2000, when Plane Plastics came into being after Vantage Associated of California purchased the family owned Kinize Industries, revenue has doubled.

Alva Regional Airport, located south of town, has been recognized and won state awards as one of the best small airports in the state.

"It's quite prestigious. We've got a beautiful terminal facility and we're expanding our runways," Payne said.

Payne said employee training for Plane Plastics is offered at Northwest Technology Center located in Alva.
Mike Bostick, executive director of Oklahoma Economic Development Authority, incorporating eight counties in northwest Oklahoma counties including Woods, applauded Plane Plastics for its decision.

"Developing industrial air parks is the ideal situation these days. There are plenty incentives for spin-offs. They've been doing a real good job in Alva."

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Clearing the Way for Economic Growth
By Marione Martin, The Alva Review Courier
June 17, 2003

Monday night the Alva City Council passed a resolution described by member Murl Wilkins as "a tremendous opportunity for Alva in terms of expansion and jobs." Resolution No. 2003-348 clears the way for a long term lease of airport land to Plane Plastics, Ltd. and for financing of a manufacturing facility to be built on that land.

The council authorized the Alva Economic Development Authority to issue bonds not to exceed $750,000 and authorized the city to enter into a lease agreement with the authority. While the city council is limited on the length of lease agreements, the authority has no such limitation.

City Attorney Rick Cunningham said the council members and the city are not liable for repayment of the bonds. If Plane Plastics should be unable to pay off the bonds, the bond holders would own the building and the right to have the building on city airport property for the length of the lease.

In the Economic Development Authority meeting held later Monday, board members approved Resolution No. 03-06 which authorizes the issuance of the bonds with Floyd Law Firm, P.C., Norman, designated as bond counsel. Cunningham said the resolution allows the authority to "proceed to work with Plane Plastics on the bonds and lease."

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New Accessories - Interior Decal Kits
June 12, 2003

New to the Plane Plastics accessories line are Interior Decal Kits. The decals are FAA approved and manufactured to very tight tolerances, assuring exact fit for instrument identification. The decals are available for a wide range of Beechcraft, Cessna and Piper aircraft and are printed in factory colors.

Plane Plastics is steadily expanding our accessories selection to include products that aid in the installation, refurbishment and functionality of aircraft interiors. We constantly look for new products and technologies to better serve the aviation community. As we grow and expand our product lines, Plane Plastics is a "one stop shop" for all your interior needs.

"Accept nothing but the best, buy Plane Plastics!"

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