Leading global provider of heavy-lift helicopter services CHI Aviation expanding in Howell

Expansion will create 60 high-paying jobs, generate $4.55 million in private investment in Southeast Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – Global provider of heavy-lift helicopter services Construction Helicopters, Inc. dba CHI Aviation, is expanding in Howell Township, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

The project is expected to generate a total private investment of $4.55 million and create 60 new jobs over a three-year period with wages near $45 per hour. Michigan was chosen over an alternative site in Nevada.

“CHI Aviation’s continued expansion in Michigan means well-paying jobs for Michigan residents and further underscores the strength of the state’s manufacturing industry, in areas including aerospace,” said Jeff Mason, CEO of MEDC, the state’s chief marketing and business attraction agency, responsible for enabling long-term economic opportunity for all Michiganders.

“We’re pleased to work with Ann Arbor SPARK and other local partners to support the investment by this longstanding Michigan company, to continue to positively impact the area’s economy,” Mason said.

Construction Helicopters, Inc., CHI Aviation, was established in 1980 as a veteran-owned small business. The company provides services to the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Forest Service and companies involved in the construction and utility industries. In addition, CHI Aviation has three affiliate organizations under common ownership, including a large sister company headquartered in California that is planning to relocate to Nevada.

The company is experiencing additional growth as a result of recently acquired defense contracts and increasing its aircraft fleet. The expansion involves the purchase of an existing 27,000-square-foot building in Howell Township. As a result, the company has been awarded a $400,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant.

In addition to MSF support, Ann Arbor SPARK has offered marketing assistance and help with finding candidates for the new positions. The company employs 49 people at the existing Michigan facility. For information on careers with CHI Aviation, visit here.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.