Enstrom Helicopter has named its experimental hangar after Jim Bournonville, a 55-year employee of the company and a long-serving member of its R&D department. Bournonville joined Enstrom in 1968, serving as head of manufacturing, senior mechanic, and production supervisor before focusing on R&D activities. Enstrom credits his designs and innovations with helping to grow the company. Bournonville remains with the company today in a part-time, semi-retired capacity.
Company president and CEO Todd Tetzlaff spent many years working alongside Bournonville earlier in his career. “The James Bournonville Research and Development Center will no doubt be a home to future innovation and development inspired by the facility’s namesake. After 55 years on the job, he understands the inner workings of Enstrom better than anyone else,” said Tetzlaff.
“His no-nonsense-approach work ethic and mentorship to Enstrom’s newer employees consistently has proven priceless. Jim is technically gifted, and he’s always willing to share his knowledge with anyone who is willing to learn. The building dedication ceremony was small and quiet. Jim wouldn’t have had it any other way. We surprised him at lunch by bringing his family in to unveil the official signage. I said a few words, we took pictures, and then Jim asked to go right back to work.”