Feb 21, 2013
fox30news.com

BRUNSWICK, Ga. -- A local company is ready to pack up and leave its operations in Brunswick and Jacksonville officials are now vying for its business.

Stambaugh Aviation specializes in heavy maintenance for jets owned by some heavy hitters. The company's clients span from media stars to military might.

Just a few feet away from an Israeli tanker is the jet that carried the famed boy band the Backstreet Boys.

Stambaugh repairs engines and does other mechanical services for planes owned by Donald Trump and fashion designer Peter Nygard. John Travolta is a former client as well.

Scott and Mark Stambaugh have been running the family business in Brunswick since the 1980s. But now they're eyeing Florida to meet their growing need to expand.

"We'll lose the work and lose the jobs so at this point if we can't expand and grow, it's going to cripple our business," said Mark Stambaugh.

The Stambaugh brothers say current leadership at the Glynn County Airport Commission is hampering them from expanding their maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations.

Action News has learned Cecil Airport wants a shot at the Stambaughs' growing business. We obtained the proposal Cecil offered the company Thursday morning. It includes designs for a new 30,000-square-foot facility.

"It was the largest package and very impressive," said Scott Stambaugh.

Jacksonville city leaders say attracting Stambaugh to relocate would be a major economic gain for the city.

Councilman Bill Gulliford says Brunswick's loss would be Jacksonville's gain. "I think that's great," said Gulliford. "If Brunswick doesn't wan them, gosh, we sure would like to have them."

If Stambaugh takes flight for Florida, it would bring more than 100 jobs with an average salary of $56,000 and plans for about a dozen additional hires.

"Expansion plans that would be five to 10 years down the road, not only at that site but at the airport as well."

Source: http://bit.ly/UQccDb