Story ID: 
Able Aerospace Expands Repair, Overhaul Capabilities
By: Jerry Siebenmark
Caption: The Textron Aviation subsidiary has doubled "the bandwidth of its machining department" to accommodate larger helo and airplane parts.
Word Count: 175
Following the opening of a 60,000-sq-ft facility expansion last year, Able Aerospace Services has added new machinery that will “double the bandwidth of its machining department” and increase its business opportunities, the Textron Aviation subsidiary announced yesterday. Able’s upgrades include a machining center, a new next-generation lathe and mill, and enhanced grinding capabilities.

“These machines add significant capacity to our repair pipeline,” said Able general manager Michael Vercio. “They also allow Able to service new sizes and categories of parts, including full helicopter transmission cases and large-scale commercial fixed-wing components. The expanded capabilities allow us to complete a larger range of repairs in house and offer improved efficiency to our customers.”

Last year, the Mesa, Arizona-based aircraft component repair and overhaul specialist began undertaking work on the landing gear of the Boeing 737 Next Generation, part of the reason behind its $3 million expansion. It’s enhanced capabilities extend to automating its repair and overhaul process to accommodate parts weighing up to 4,000 pounds and measuring up to 80 inches in length.