OLATHE, Kan., March 12, 2014 – The Olathe Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Global Ground Support has committed to keep its manufacturing operations in its existing 112,000-square-foot facility at Old 56 Highway and Harrison Street in Olathe. Global Ground Support produces a vast array of airport equipment including deicing vehicles, scissor lift trucks, and catering trucks for the U.S. military and for airlines and airports around the world.
“Kansas has a strong manufacturing sector, and it’s exciting to see Global Ground Support expanding its operations in the state,” said Pat George, Kansas Commerce Secretary. “Our economy benefits when Kansas manufacturers achieve success and create new jobs.”
“Global Ground Support has been such an important part of Olathe’s business landscape for more than 15 years, and we are thrilled that they will continue to call Olathe home,” said Olathe Mayor Michael Copeland. “We are not only grateful for their continued investment in our community, but also greatly appreciate all of the work they generate for so many other Olathe firms.”
Rick Smith, CEO, Global Ground Support noted that, “Global Ground Support is very pleased to announce the extension of its existing facility lease. This will not only allow us to sustain and focus on existing business, but it also puts us in a great to grow our business with the size of the existing facility.”
In addition to expanding its lease, Global Ground Support anticipates future improvements to its facility, including parking lots, carpet, lighting and overhead cranes, that will enhance the workplace for its employees and allow for improved efficiencies throughout the operation.
About Global Ground Support
Global Ground Support has a 112,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Olathe, where it produces deicing vehicles, scissor lift trucks, catering trucks, cabin service trucks, biological and chemical decontamination systems, mass casualty mobile decontamination trailers and other vehicles. The company is a subsidiary of AirT Inc. (Nasdaq: AirT), based in Maiden, N.C., which organized Global Ground Support in 1997 to buy the Simon Deicer Division of Terex Aviation Ground Equipment.
About the Olathe Chamber of Commerce
The Olathe Chamber of Commerce is the largest chamber in Johnson County and the second largest chamber in the Kansas City area. It was the first chamber in the state to receive Five-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – a designation obtained by only 1 percent of the nation’s chambers. To date, the Olathe Chamber remains a Five-Star-Accredited Chamber. Its mission is to be the voice of business that advances the economic wellbeing and quality of life in Olathe.
###