Augustine Die & Mold and Augustine Plastics recently bought a 221,000 square foot facility from the Somerest County Economic Development Council and will add 20 jobs this year. In Johnstown, Martin-Bakers U.S subsidiary will add about ten jobs a year in the next four to five years.
“Growth will occur in both entities. Weve already hired two additional people, and we havent even moved yet,” says Greg Good, VP of operations for Augustine Tool & Die. The move to the former home of Gilmour Manufacturing nearly quadruples Augustines space from its two previous locations, but Good says that some of the warehouse space may be leased to other entities. The company achieved AS 9100 certification for aerospace applications in November 2008.
“We had visit from Boeing, and they liked what they saw. Now that we have the certification, weve been working with them on looking at different programs. Were hoping thats going to happen in the near future,” says Good.
Mike Santoro, general manager of Martin Baker, says its ongoing relationship with the U.S. Army, Sakorski, and Mobier (through its UK based parent) has brought in steady business. He says the firm has already hired 4 people in the first quarter and is on track to hire about ten people each year. “The most current project, the F-18 ejection seat contract, which was just awarded, is a follow on to what weve been doing for past three years–the latest and greatest,” he says. Of the total $18 million contract awarded to Martin-Baker for the seats, approximately $4-5 million of the work will be done in Johnstown.
Sources: Greg Good, Augustine Tool & Die; Mike Santoro, Martin Baker
Writer: Chris OToole