Garmin AT, Inc.

Garmin AT, Inc., founded as II Morrow in 1982, designs and manufactures avionics for general aviation aircraft. Garmin AT is globally renowned for its innovative and award winning designs. Product lines include state-of-the-art multi-function displays providing fully integrated “big picture” pilot information, aviation’s first GPS navigator to feature precision guidance via WAAS GPS, general aviation’s first certified ADS-B data link for tomorrow’s airspace and beyond, and a remote sensor that receives broadcast weather data and music from XM Satellite Radio that delivers data to Garmin’s avionics.

Garmin’s success requires more than leading edge technology. Success in the general aviation retrofit market requires being able to compete in a global market place that is contingent upon an efficient manufacturing process while maximizing resources. Having been recently acquired by a Midwest company that had lower labor rates and lower manufacturing costs, Garmin AT had to compete with subsidiaries both domestically and internationally, as well as external competitors. In order to do so, changes had to be made and quickly. SEDCOR introduced Garmin AT to the availability of funding through EWTF and OMEP. This funding has been the foundation of DFT implementation, on-site training in Lean Manufacturing as well as Value Stream Mapping. The Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund facilitated the purchase of a $125,000 Automatic Optical Imaging system increasing inspection accuracy while reducing inspection time. In addition, EWTF monies were utilized to supplement critical skills in Microsoft Office software, expediting quick and efficient data analysis.

As a result of the combined funding, Garmin AT’s gross margins have improved 30% between the date of acquisition in 2003 to March 2005. Such dramatic results were achieved through the monumental efforts of all Garmin associates hand-in-hand with training and equipment made available through workforce and resource grants.

“The proactive involvement of these economic development partners made a big impact on our corporate headquarters, giving us the green flag to proceed with expansion,” states John MacNab, General Manager. Garmin AT has since increased its hangar size from 6,000 ft. to 18,000 ft.. The company plans to retain 150 engineering and manufacturing jobs and expects to employ 166 within the next two years.

For additional information call 503-581-8101.
www.garmin.com

Marion and Polk Schools Credit Union

The public was invited to an open house on June 30, to share a slice of MaPS’ 70th birthday cake and for a tour their building. The new 43,000 sq. ft. building and grounds occupy five building lots. MaPS administrative employees now occupy the building’s third and fourth floors and part of the first, with the remaining 15,000 leased. Dan Penn, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Salem-based institution, said the decision to move the administrative staff from the Credit Union’s location on Hines Street, S.E. is both recognition of the credit union’s solid growth and its ongoing commitment to the city.

“We see this as an investment in our community, as well as a great move for our employees and members.” Penn said. “Downtown Salem is really on the move and MaPS wants to be a part of that renaissance.”

Contact Maureen Gruchalla, Marketing Department at 503-588-0181
www.mapscu.com