Congressman Harper,
Congressman Childers,
Mr. Swoope,
Distinguished Guests from the Golden Triangle area,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Morning,
It is my pleasure and privilege to be here today and participate in the grand opening ceremony of the new Stark Aerospace facility.
In September 2007, I had the honor of addressing many of you at the opening ceremony of Stark’s first location -- the Raspet Flight Lab in Starkville. At that time, I said: "We have come there to stay" and that I am eager to visit Stark Aerospace in the future to see our newly created enterprise mature into a successful business that brings pride to the Golden Triangle area. And here we are a little over two years later, celebrating the opening of Stark’s new, 86,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility.
So what has been accomplished during the past two years?
-In addition to building a new facility, Stark has grown from 18 employees to 76 and continues to grow rapidly.
-Stark has expanded activities in its UAS and Electro Optic divisions. They are producing both the Hunter UAV and the Heron MALE UAS. They are also working on a full line of electro optic payloads.
-Stark is creating a third division to develop tactical radar products for the Homeland Security market.
-Stark is broadening its capabilities through increased U.S. based engineering resources.
Now, I would like to briefly speak about Israel Aerospace Industries and its relationship and commitment to the success of Stark Aerospace.
Israel Aerospace Industries was established in 1953, and it is today a $ 3.5 billion company with 17,000 employees. We develop and manufacture a wide array of military and commercial aerospace products. These include satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles, business jets, and electronic systems. IAI is involved in upgrading military aircraft, conversions of commercial aircraft to freighter or tanker, producing state of the art fast patrol boats and developing anti-tactical ballistic missile systems.
Israel Aerospace Industries is a company that is committed to delivering quality and cost effective products. We are a leader in developing high tech solutions that meet our customers’ requirements in more than 100 countries.
We established Stark Aerospace as a local brand for IAI’s technologies, products and systems dedicated to enhancing the security of the United States. Stark will support current and future customers in the U.S. defense and homeland security arenas. As a part of this effort, Stark will also pursue partnerships with major U.S. aerospace and defense contractors.
Our goal for Stark Aerospace is to become a leading regional aerospace and defense company benefiting its customers, community, owners and employees.
As there is no duty more urgent than that of returning thanks, I would like to express my personal and my company's appreciation for all the support we received and continue to receive from those involved in this venture. My thanks is extended to all levels – to the local level, to the state level (thank you Mr. Swoope and Governor Barbour) and to the national level. Although he could not be here today, I would like to thank Senator Cochran, who has been a true partner to Stark Aerospace. Congressman Harper, Congressman Childers – thank you for being here today and for all your efforts on our behalf.
To the management, employees and board of directors of Stark Aerospace -- You are doing a great job. The growth we have achieved since the company started in 2006 required an enormous amount of hard work, dedication and support.
One can easily say on your behalf: “Any one who thinks the sky is the limit, has limited imagination".
On behalf of IAI Board of Directors and management I would like to say again to all of you – Thank you.