Office of the Governor
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 29, 2002
For More Information:  Mary Lehecka Nelson, 773-5032

Janklow Announces Standard Aerospace to Begin Operations in Spearfish

(Pierre) –  The growing avionics/aerospace industry prompted one South Dakota native to start his own company, a move which will create up to 41 jobs in Spearfish within the next three years, Gov. Bill Janklow announced today.

Standard Aerospace will provide installation design engineering and manufacture installation provision kits for avionics systems in commercial aircraft, Janklow said. “Because commercial aircraft require continual upgrading of avionics systems, this industry is really growing,” he added.

Janklow said the company provides more services than other companies in the industry. “Manufacturers of avionics equipment rarely provide the engineering and certification for the installation of new equipment. Standard Aerospace plans to provide those services,” Janklow said.

Company President and owner Steve Anderson has more than 12 years of experience in the avionics industry.  “Standard Aerospace considers itself fortunate to be locating in a state where economic development and job creation is a priority.  There are individuals here that truly believe in developing the economy by providing assistance to new businesses,” Anderson said.

Anderson said he is pleased his company will create the kind of jobs that will keep people in South Dakota. “The creation of high paying careers in the aerospace industry will help keep some of the local talent within the state and allow those talented individuals who choose to live and work in South Dakota an avenue to remain at home close to their families,” he added.  

"We are pleased to have a company of this caliber and growth potential choose to locate in Spearfish," stated Spearfish Economic Development Corporation President, Myles Kennedy. "Thanks to the hard work of our Executive Director Bryan Walker, Standard Aerospace selected our community over several others. In light of the recent cut backs within the mining industry, this is extremely positive news for the region," he added.

"Standard Aerospace will add a whole new dimension to our local economy and will provide new opportunities for area residents," said Bryan Walker, Executive Director of SEDC. "I am very impressed with the company's vision, and the integrity of its management," he said.

The company is constructing an 11,775 square foot facility in the Spearfish Industrial Park.

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