Pilatus executives, employees, industry partners and invited guests gathered to celebrate the official grand opening of the company's new paint facility at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan airport. Attendees enjoyed a commemorative ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by facility tours.

The 15 million US dollar investment is the latest building expansion for the US completions centre, which has been located at the airport in Broomfield, Colorado for more than 26 years. The new facility opens 25 job opportunities with projected growth as the fleet and production continue to increase.

US Pilatus subsidiary Pilatus Business Aircraft president and CEO Thomas Bosshard says: “We are proud to continue expanding our footprint and enhancing our workforce here in Colorado to meet the increased demand of the North and South American markets.”

Pilatus Business Aircraft is responsible for more than 60 per cent of annual business aircraft sales and deliveries for the Swiss manufacturer. Its recent expansion will not only reduce logistical complexities and costs related to painting aircraft, but also decrease production time."

The 28,445 sq ft (2,643 sqm) custom-designed facility features three separate booths, all equipped to efficiently prep and paint the PC-24 and PC-12 NGX from base to finish. The preparation and detail booth will primarily be used to prepare aircraft for paint, while also facilitating detailing, touch ups and silk screen printing of placards.

The crossdraft booth will serve as the primary booth for base to finish aircraft painting. The downdraft booth is uniquely designed for green to finish painting as well as intricate base to finish paint schemes.

With production and personnel at capacity, the paint facility is forecast to complete up to 100 aircraft on an annual basis; the first aircraft is scheduled to deliver as early as this month.

Each booth is equipped with a 3D laser projector to optimise efficiency and precision. An advanced environmental control system and air-sealed doors and advanced filtration system allow for complete environmental control while processing and recycling used materials.

“Efficiency, innovation and environmental impact were the guiding principles during the design phase,” says Bosshard. “This investment allows Pilatus Business Aircraft to manage and maintain the high quality standards and procedures set by our Swiss parent company.”