Jackson, Miss. – Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance is investing in its aircraft maintenance operations in Greenville. The project is a $11.75 million corporate investment and will create 31 new jobs.
GKAM specializes in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as avionics/structure modifications, manufacturing, inspection and kitting for military and civilian aircraft. Since 2022, the company has leased a hangar at Mid Delta Regional Airport, where it previously committed to creating 250 jobs.
With this newest investment, GKAM plans to retrofit two existing aircraft hangars to be used for aircraft painting, paint striping, hazmat capture and hazmat storage and containment. The 31 new jobs will bring the total number of jobs committed to by GKAM to 281. Additionally, the new capabilities will make GKAM one of the largest aircraft depots in the U.S. and the largest veteran-owned small business in the U.S.
Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. AccelerateMS and Washington County also are assisting with the project.
GKAM expects to complete the expansion by the end of the second quarter of 2025. Soon after, the company plans to fill the 31 new jobs.
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“Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance has been part of the Delta’s economic landscape for more than a decade, and I am grateful this veteran-owned company is once again investing in its operations and in our state. By creating these 31 additional jobs, GKAM will employ nearly 300 workers at its Greenville location – an impressive figure that stands as a testament to the productivity of Washington County’s workforce and the fact that Mississippi is a great place to start and grow a successful business.” – Gov. Tate Reeves
“Mississippi’s strong economic momentum continues its upward trend with this latest investment by GKAM. Not only does this veteran-owned company provide a service vital to the aerospace industry, its commitment to creating dozens of new jobs in Greenville is providing outstanding new opportunities for the region’s workers. MDA is honored to support GKAM’s growth and salutes the company’s leadership for once again choosing Mississippi.” – Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork
“This expansion marks the start of an exciting chapter in Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance history. Adding the strip and paint to our modification and maintenance capability will establish GKAM as one of the largest maintenance and depot facilities in the southeast. Having the capacity to work up to six C-130 aircraft under roof simultaneously and now adding strip and paint to our capabilities make us a true competitor in the DoD aircraft maintenance space.” – GKAM President and CEO Ronnie Kearns
“Delta Compass and Washington County Economic Alliance are happy to see the forward momentum of our Delta economy. Synonymous with agriculture, our community is seeing more nuance coming to our industry sectors in transportation, distribution, logistics, advanced manufacturing and now aerospace. GKAM will be a great addition to our growing list of employers, and we appreciate their co-impact to our community.” – Delta Compass – Washington County Economic Alliance President and CEO Justin Burch
“This latest expansion by Greenville Kearns Aerospace Maintenance is a testament to the strength of our local workforce and the commitment of businesses to investing in their employees. By adding 31 new positions and working with Mississippi Delta Community College and South Delta Planning and Development District to develop a new Aviation Maintenance training program, the company is not only enhancing its own capabilities but also providing valuable career opportunities that will help drive economic growth in Greenville. This investment highlights the exceptional talent available in Mississippi and reinforces our dedication to supporting and developing our workforce to meet the needs of innovative industries.” – AccelerateMS Executive Director Courtney Taylor
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