10 March 2022
Enstrom Helicopter, which closed earlier this year after going bankrupt, has a new owner and is planning to restart production.
MidTex Aviation is to acquire the assets and reopen the factory in Menominee, Michigan. The asset purchase agreement has been approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court.
Boss of MidTex Kevin Griffin said, “We are extremely excited about acquiring these assets, restarting the former Enstrom facility, and expanding the scope of the business.
“We already have a number of former Enstrom employees working with us on a contract basis. After closing, we expect to make job offers to a substantial number of former Enstrom employees.”
The new business will provide parts and support to existing owners, as well as new helicopters. In addition, the new company plans to expand into providing engineering services and component manufacturing for other OEMs.
MidTex will acquire all of the former Enstrom parts, owned aircraft, tooling, materials, drawings, intellectual property, factory buildings and airport lease.
“This was just too good of an opportunity to pass up,” said Michael Dixon, Aviation Manager for MidTex.
“Not only will we get a turn-key helicopter manufacturer with a great brand and an established customer base, we will also get an excellent springboard to launch an aerostructures and component manufacturing business.
“Most people don’t realize that Enstrom was vertically integrated, building nearly 90% of the helicopters under one roof. They had the facilities to build almost anything.
“Enstrom had a great relationship with the FAA, and a proven track record of getting certifications quickly and efficiently,” continued Dixon.
“Likewise, we look forward to working with the FAA to expand to other aerospace projects, including eVTOLs, fixed wing, military equipment, and other advanced air mobility products.”
The purchase has the backing of Matt Francour, former president of Enstrom. He said, “The former employees and management team couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to work for a new company operating the facility. This was the best possible outcome.”
MidTex is exhibiting at the 2022 Heli Expo in Dallas, Texas, being staged this week
