Episode 37: Growth and Resilience in Aviation with Greg Guzman, Part 2 of 2

In this continued episode, Patrick Kraus, Managing Director and COO at Jet Midwest, and Greg Guzman, President/Managing Partner at Aerostar, share their insights on aviation solutions, maintenance, and more.

In this continued episode, Patrick Kraus, Managing Director and COO at Jet Midwest, and Greg Guzman, President/Managing Partner at Aerostar, share their insights on aviation solutions, maintenance, and more. They discuss the persistence required to secure a long-standing contract with a major airline, pushing boundaries with advanced test equipment and cutting-edge IDG capabilities. Greg also shares the challenges and successes of relocating to a 55,000 sq. ft. facility while meeting the repair demands of modern aircraft.

Episode 36: Growth and Resilience in Aviation with Greg Guzman, Part 1 of 2

Greg Guzman joins Jet Midwest’s innovative NOST TO TAIL podcast to share his insights and wisdom gleaned over his 20+ years in aviation. Hear his thoughts on building relationships, maintaining excellence, accountability and lessons on resilience.

Check out Patrick Kraus, Managing Director and COO at Jet Midwest, and guest, Greg Guzman, President/Managing Partner at Aerostar, as they discuss the crucial world of aviation audits, overcoming monumental challenges, and founding an aviation company. Greg shares his insights on building relationships within the aviation industry, why audits are necessary for maintaining excellence and accountability, and lessons on resilience. Enjoy this engaging conversation, with valuable leadership insights and aviation knowledge.

Aerostar Announces $4.7 Million Expansion in Mobile, Alabama, Creating 50 New Jobs

MOBILE, Ala. – Aerostar, a leading provider of aerospace repair services, has announced a
$4.7 million expansion of its facility at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley in Mobile.

The expansion will add 50 new jobs over the next three years, more than doubling its total
employment to 110.

“With the recent purchases of the Bauer Hydraulic equipment and Testek Power Generation
equipment, Aerostar has taken a huge step forward in its growth strategy for the next three to
five years. This equipment will create at least 50 new jobs in the next few years, bring us to over
110 employees at the Brookley Aeroplex,” said President and Managing Partner Greg Guzman.

Aerostar’s investment will support the growth of the aerospace aftermarket sector, with new test
equipment enabling the company to continue its specialized repair services for hydraulic,
pneumatic and electromechanical aircraft components used in commercial airlines.

“Aerostar’s expansion comes at a time when Mobile is working diligently to strengthen its
position as a leader in aerospace and aviation services,” said Bradley Byrne, President & CEO
of the Mobile Chamber. “This expansion is a testament to our city’s appeal as a hub for
advanced manufacturing in the aerospace industry, and it will provide new, high-quality jobs for
the people of Mobile.”

“We are thrilled to see Aerostar expanding its operations in Mobile to meet the growing demand
for quality commercial aircraft maintenance and repairs. From new planes and parts to suppliers
and services, there are many companies like Aerostar whose continued investment is securing
Mobile’s place as a global leader in the aerospace industry. We wish Aerostar nothing but
success as it continues to grow.” said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson.

“Mobile County Commission is pleased to support the continued growth of our local aerospace
industry,” said Mobile County Commission President Randall Dueitt. “Aerostar’s creating 50
new jobs and almost doubling its local employment through this $4.7 million investment will not
only support the growth of our local economy’s aerospace sector but will also create meaningful
opportunities for Mobile County workers.”

Construction is underway with operations expected to begin in September 2025. For more
information about Aerostar and its services, visit https://aerostar.aero.

About the Mobile Chamber

The Mobile Chamber is a private business organization with more than 1,600 members and the
economic developer for the City of Mobile and Mobile County. Over the last decade, Mobile’s
economic development efforts have created 8,838 new jobs, retained 692 existing jobs,
recruited 29 new businesses and expanded 69 area companies. Capital investments for
projects have topped $5.8 billion. These economic development achievements are supported by
public and private investors through the Chamber’s Partners for Growth campaign. Additional
information is on the Chamber’s website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

About Aerostar

Aerostar, established in 2011, is a FAA/EASA 145 Certified Repair Station that specializes in
affordable Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Electromechanical and Power Generation component repairs
for commercial airlines, OEMs, military, and MRO facilities. AeroStar’s founders have decades
of combined engineering, manufacturing, and repair experience in all areas of aviation. AeroStar
HQ is strategically located in Mobile, Alabama, at the Brookley Aeroplex, adjacent to VT MAE
and the Airbus A220 and A320 Final Assembly Line.

Contact: Denise Curtis
Director of Communications, Mobile Chamber
(256) 496-4208, dcurtis@mobilechamber.com

 

 

Aerostar Expansion

  • Facility expansion to 55,000 square feet, 3 times that of our former facility.
    • Supports capacity and throughput growth
  • Addition of the TestTek IDG Test Stand
    • Supports all commercial large transport aviation power generation
  • Addition of the Bauer Model 6636 Linear Test Stand, Model 6636 Servo Actuator, & Model 6674 Pump & Motor Test Stands
    • Supports all commercial large transport aircraft actuation, pump, and hydraulic motor testing needs

AeroStar Powers its Future with the Purchase of Bauer Test Equipment for Hydraulics Expansion at Brookley Aeroplex-based Facility

— AeroStar announces the expansion of its Brookley-based component facility with the purchase of the Bauer Test Equipment Hydraulic System including Linear, Servo, Pump/Motor and Power Unit capabilities. The purchase of this industry leading equipment turbocharges AeroStar’s ability to support a wide range of hydraulic components including actuators, valves, motors and pumps for virtually all narrow and wide body aircraft, including the B787 and A350 which operate at higher pressures.

Greg Guzman explained why investing in the expansion of the Mobile operation makes sense. “Hydraulics are one of our core competencies and the Bauer Hydraulic Test Equipment System takes our capabilities to the next level. We are modernizing with state-of-the-art equipment to enhance our technical capabilities and accommodate newer generation aircraft and modern-fleet aircraft.”

“The expansion of AeroStar’s hydraulic shop complements the facility’s existing portfolio of Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Power Generation, and Electro-Mechanical capabilities, which all together, delivers a comprehensive range of capabilities to clients. The 55,000 square foot building expansion is expected to be completed by early 2024.”

“AeroStar has earned a reputation for providing world-class MRO services and is thrilled at what this new equipment from Bauer will deliver for our clients and partners. The new Bauer hydraulic test stand system brings additional power, speed and capacity, further expanding our already deep hydraulic capabilities.”

Lou Auletta, President & CEO of Bauer, expresses his company’s excitement in this opportunity to partner with AeroStar on the new test facility. “Bauer is proud to be working together with AeroStar on this project. It leverages Bauer’s expertise in next generation 5000 psi range hydraulics including our latest-generation test equipment, automation features, and world-class technical support.”

AeroStar, based in Mobile, AL, is a leader in Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Power Generation and Electro-mechanical repairs. Aerostar is approved by several large US-based and international passenger and cargo airlines and supports Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, Bombardier, McDonnell Douglas and Lockheed fleets.