Where has time gone? It seems like yesterday when Cirrus Aircraft executives told us about their vision to launch a new product, a single engine jet aircraft.
And Tuesday, Dec. 20, the first one flew into Grand Forks, unveiling a new and exciting future for the company and our region. Since they began production of their first planes, Cirrus has been a world leader in aircraft innovation, setting a standard that has kept them in front of their competition.
Cirrus is an example of what happens when passion, innovation, and a support network come together. Since its startup days, Cirrus has maintained its sights on aviation safety and ease of operation for personal use. It has risen to be the leader in sales of personal aircraft in its category and the only one with a life-saving parachute system.
Cirrus Aircraft is an economic development success story. The Grand Forks Region EDC first began its relationship with the company in the mid-1990s when we learned this upstart company was looking for a place to expand to support its manufacturing demands.
From its first construction project in the Industrial Park in 1996, its expansion in 2005, and another in 2013, we have been continually impressed by the company’s commitment to quality and to the Grand Forks community.
Cirrus is one of many companies in the region that comprise our primary sector, a segment of companies that are the driver of our strong economy. When they are successful, our region thrives.
We’ve celebrated many milestones with Cirrus: the 1,000th plane coming off the Grand Forks line in 2003, the delivery of their 2,000th aircraft in 2005, and now in 2016, the delivery of the first Vision Jet.
With the first delivery of the first Vision Jet they are soaring. Cirrus is once again poised to dominate with its personal jet. And we are eager to ensure the company grows and creates additional quality jobs for our region’s workforce.