March 23, 1999
The demand for the new A-150 Lightships has resulted in the addition of 4400 sq. ft in the American Blimp manufacturing area, increasing the space by ~30%. With the completion of the expansion it is now possible to have 4-5 airships in production simultaneously. "In fact," said Jim Thiele, President and CEO, "we currently have 3 A-150 gondolas in various stages of completion, and one A-60+ gondola frame in the welding jig, and a fourth A-150 at Tillamook being prepared for flight test."
The total space at the Hillsboro headquarters facility, including engineering, quality and administrative functions, is just under 25,000 square feet. At Tillamook there are another 3000 square feet which are being readied as a fabrication shop. "Our employment has also increased. Now it is about 45, and we have a number of opportunities in engineering and manufacturing, which can be seen on our web site at www.americanblimp.com," said Jim Thiele.
In the left foreground is Lightship A-150-105. Immediately behind it is -106, and -107 can be seen in the center in the frame assembly jig. Completed fins are in the background along the left wall.
ABC is the only airship organization in the world that has scheduled manufacture of airships. Its headquarters are in Hillsboro, OR where the airships are designed and constructed in a 20,000 square foot facility. The final assembly and flight test is accomplished at an appropriate site near the customer's location. A marketing office for airship applications in government missions and civil aid is located in Severna Park, MD, near Washington, DC.For additional information please contact:
E. Judson Brandreth, Jr.
Vice President, Marketing
American Blimp Corporation
302 Ritchie Highway
Severna Park, MD 21146-1910
Phone: (410) 544-6507
Fax: (410) 544-6509
Home Page: www.americanblimp.com
E-Mail: Jud4Blimps@aol.com
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