SHERWOOD, AR - Custom Aircraft Cabinets (CAC) has announced an expansion of its manufacturing plant at a new location in Sherwood. The company says it will add 150 new jobs at an hourly average wage of $15 to $20 and invest $5.9 million in the expansion.
Founded in North Little Rock in 1989, CAC is a specialized woodworking and upholstery manufacturer supplying private, corporate and head-of-state aircraft companies globally.
“This is another success story for a homegrown company that is now ready to double its workforce and continue to thrive,” Governor Mike Beebe said. “Aerospace has consistently been one of our state’s top exports, and CAC has found its niche for prosperity in this important Arkansas industry.”
In a release, CAC says the expansion will also result in the growth of its sister company, Reliable Fire Protection, adding 20 additional jobs at an hourly wage of $20.
“It gives us great honor to welcome CAC to Sherwood,” said Sherwood Mayor Virginia Hillman. “We are excited to be a part of the growing aviation industry generating an economic vitality and bringing so many new jobs for the people in Sherwood and Central Arkansas.”
With the expansion, CAC will employ a total of more than 290 people.
CAC began in 1989 in a garage and has grown from that time from its meager beginnings in a garage. Roby Brock, host of Talk Business, said the company has benefitted from its location and humble start.
"Custom Aircraft Cabinets is another example of a company that started small, was smart about how they grew and has now built this company to substantial size," Brock said.Company executives say the aircraft industry is finally taking off, despite 170 Hawker Beechcraft employees will be out of work later this year. They have different functions for planes. Beechcraft builds the planes, while CAC constructs and designs the cabinets and upholstery for them.
"It's very possible for there to be layoffs in one sector of the aerospace industry and at the same time some hiring going on," Brock said.
For employment opportunities, visit
www.customaircraftcabinets.com.
