SkyOne Aerospace to use Commerce grant to expand

SkyOne Aerospace received a $100,000 Working Washington grant that allows the company to expand, add new equipment and hire additional employees.

The Washington State Department of Commerce provided the $100,000 economic development grant to Greater Spokane Incorporated, the region’s business development organization, which awarded the funds to SkyOne Aerospace.

“We are proud of each opportunity to help a business expand and grow,” GSI CEO Alisha Benson said in a statement. “The investment in SkyOne Aerospace is important for our region’s aerospace cluster and is really a win for our community, especially our veterans with the necessary experience to fill these critical jobs. We thank Governor Inslee and Commerce for supporting SkyOne in its growth plans.”

Spokane Valley-based SkyOne Aerospace, founded in 2015 with three employees, specializes in repair and overhaul of instruments, avionics, electronics, mechanical units and hydraulic units of the military aerospace aftermarket.

The company will retain 18 jobs and create 45 new positions in the next three years as a result of the Working Washington grant.

It plans to hire skilled technicians with military aerospace experience. Nearly 40% of the company’s workforce are veterans, and it’s committed to hiring more, mostly from Fairchild Air Force Base, according to a GSI release.

“We made the right decision to remain in Spokane Valley,” said Gary Lee Owens, SkyOne’s founder and vice president, in a statement.

“These funds provide vital assistance to add new capabilities to SkyOne, and that means growth of the workforce and new business opportunities. Having support from people so eager to help small business is very inspiring.”

SkyOne recently filed a preliminary application with Spokane Valley to remodel its 16,500-square-foot warehouse at 10305 E. Buckeye Ln.

Owens was not immediately available for additional comment about the company’s expansion plans.