MANSFIELD — Modern Avionics & Maintenance, Inc. is setting up shop at the Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport.
Mansfield council approved legislation authorizing the safety-service director to enter into a lease with the airplane repair company for 1.5 lots in Hangar 528 at the Lahm Airport, according to city economic development director Tim Bowersock.
“They’re currently located at the Medina airport and they’ve outgrown the facilities there,” he said. “This will give them more room for growth, plus a more popular, or a more heavily populated airport with more opportunities, they feel.”
The lease agreement says the space will be used for storage and maintenance of aircraft, and for related aeronautical purposes.
The initial term for the lease will be for 10 years beginning Jan. 1, 2018 and continue through Dec. 31, 2027. The lease is eligible for a total of 30 years: one initial term of 10 years and four renewal terms of five years each.
The cost to lease the space, which covers about one-eighth of an acre, is $1,650 per year for the first 10 years. Each renewal thereafter increases by $150, making the first renewal $1,800, the second renewal $1,950, the third renewal $2,100 and the fourth renewal $2,250.
“It’s consistent with other airports our size across the state I believe,” Bowersock said of the fees.
The company’s owner and a part-time employee will come to Mansfield initially, with one full-time mechanic and another part-time employee to be added within the first two years of operation.
“We don’t have an aircraft maintenance facility at the present time, so this really is something that we needed at this point in time,” Bowersock said.
Councilman-at-large and airport committee chairman Don Bryant is hopeful this addition will spur more activity at the airport.
“I hope that the airport can get even more business in the future soon,” he said.
