Asheville based AvL Technologies Annouces significant expansion plans

AvL Technologies, in conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC), proudly announces the expansion of its Asheville-based operations with a $5.9 million facility investment and the addition of up to 75 high wage jobs over the next three years.

AvL Technologies designs and manufactures transportable parabolic antennas for two-way, real-time satellite communications used in the television and broadcast industry and emergency services, along with government and military applications for communications from remote locations. AvL Technologies was founded by Jim Oliver in the basement of his Asheville home in 1994. He later moved the company to the A-B Tech Small Business Incubator in 1998 when Oliver hired his first employee. AvL Technologies is currently located in Asheville’s River Arts District.

A major component of AvL’s expansion will be the relocation of its facilities to a renovated space in the Newbridge Shopping Center in the Reynolds Village development in Woodfin. This move allows AvL to expand its carbon fiber product capability, the material of choice for wind turbine blades and aeronautical components. “We have seen tremendous growth in our current facilities near downtown. However, being spread over four buildings is inconvenient and inefficient. There is, physically, no more room for new employees,” said Oliver. “We are very excited about the move to Reynolds Village; we know this facility will allow us to meet our customers’ demands for years to come.”

Oliver’s vision for the company is that of a “1950s model” company that cares about its employees, gives back to the community, and produces exceptional products with integrity. “Oliver’s commitment to Asheville and Buncombe County is second to none. He chose Asheville as the place to create his dream company and we thank him for his continued vision and dedication,” said Bob Roberts, Chair of the EDC Board.

In AvL Technologies’ 15- year history they have become known for their technical excellence, innovative products, and an ability to meet demanding development and production schedules for a world-wide customer base. AvL antennas are used by customers such as the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Division, General Electric, the US Army, US Marine Corps, the White House Communications Agency, FEMA, and many foreign nations including Great Britain, Germany, France, Africa, India, Japan, Germany, and China, among others. Demand was immediate, for instance, after the recent earthquake disaster in Haiti.

AvL Technologies will begin renovations on the former Newbridge Shopping Center space in the coming weeks and hopes to move operations to the new facility by late summer 2010. Chairman of the Buncombe County Commissioners, David Gantt, adds, “AvL Technologies has rightfully earned an international reputation for its innovative products, world-class engineering and manufacturing staff and we are proud that the firm chose to expand here in its own backyard.” Employment inquiries and applications for AvL will be taken at the North Carolina Employment Security Commission offices beginning June 1.